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Romanian far-right former presidential candidate Calin Georgescu has been charged with attempting to stage a coup after the first round of the presidential election was annulled last December.<\/p>\n
Horatiu Potra, a former French legionnaire and militia chief in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and 20 other people were also charged.<\/p>\n
The case rests on a planned raid on the Romanian capital Bucharest on 8 December, which police foiled.<\/p>\n
Romanian prosecutors describe a plot targeting Romania’s constitutional order, involving Georgescu, Potra, their group, and alleged foreign intelligence links.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Potra and others have been charged with instigating the coup, while Georgescu is accused of conspiring with Potra.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors say Georgescu met Potra and other members of his group at a horse farm in December, soon after Georgescu’s victory was annulled.<\/p>\n
Georgescu initially denied that the meeting took place, but later admitted it after photographs were published in Romanian media. However he denies discussing plans to stage an insurrection.<\/p>\n
In late February police raided several locations in Romania, uncovering a cache of weapons, gold and cash, with which it is alleged Potra’s group were planning to stage a violent power grab.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors say Potra is currently not in the country and may seek asylum in Russia.<\/p>\n
Georgescu, 63, came a surprise first in the first round of Romania’s presidential election last November.<\/p>\n
That result was annulled by the Constitutional Court<\/a> just days before the second round was due to take place amid allegations of Russian interference.<\/p>\n Romanian intelligence services suggested his presence and popularity on social media had been boosted by a mass influence operation \u2013 conducted from abroad \u2013 to interfere with the result of the vote.<\/p>\n At a press conference, prosecutor general Florenta described the annulled 2024 election as “the result of a hybrid war orchestrated by Russia.”<\/p>\n He alleged that cyberattacks on airports and public institutions coincided with an online disinformation campaign waged through troll farms, bots, and AI-generated content.<\/p>\n According to investigators, more than 2,000 Facebook pages were used to amplify pro-Georgescu messaging, while TikTok networks of over 20,000 automated accounts boosted his campaign in the days before the vote.<\/p>\n After Georgescu was barred from registering as a candidate<\/a> his ally George Simion, the leader of the far-right AUR party, stood in his place in the May rerun.<\/p>\n