Romanian Court Extends Pre-Trial Detention for Far-Right Politician Calin Georgescu in Fraud Probe

A Romanian court has extended the pre-trial detention of far-right politician Calin Georgescu by 30 days as part of an investigation into an alleged 1.1 million euro ($1.2m) fraud case. This decision by the Bucharest Court of Appeal overturned an earlier ruling from October 13 by a lower court, which had ordered the pro-Russian former frontrunner in Romania’s cancelled 2024 presidential election to be moved from police custody to house arrest for 30 days while the fraud probe continued.

Prosecutors stated that Georgescu, along with two other suspects, allegedly persuaded a Romanian businessman to give them 1.1 million euros by falsely promising to help him secure a credit line of up to 15 million euros ($16.7m) from a foreign financial institution. Georgescu has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the investigations are “politically motivated”.

Hundreds of Georgescu supporters protested against the investigation. According to media reports, some groups entered the Bucharest court building on Wednesday to demand his release. George Simion, leader of the hard-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians, had previously stated that the initial lower court ruling indicated protesters were being heard.

Following Wednesday’s appeal decision, Georgescu remains in police custody, with his detention extended until November 27. The former candidate had secured the most votes in the first round of Romania’s presidential election in November 2024. However, the results and the subsequent second round were annulled amid allegations of Russian interference, claims that Moscow has denied.

Georgescu was subsequently disqualified from running again, and pro-European centrist Nicusor Dan ultimately won the rerun presidential election in May 2025. In a separate legal matter, prosecutors have accused Georgescu of instigating violence after the ballot annulment, disseminating false information, attempting to disrupt national security, and promoting 1930s fascist leaders.

Other far-right politicians have voiced their support for Georgescu, vowing to stand by him amidst the ongoing political uncertainty in Romania. This month, Parliament approved a government proposed by pro-European Luca Niculescu, who became prime minister after months of deadlock following the collapse of the previous coalition in May.