Former pro-Russian presidential candidate in Romania announces the end of his political career
In an unexpected and highly sensational decision, pro-Russian politician and former candidate for the 2024 Romanian presidential elections, Kelin Georgescu, declared his intention to leave politics. This decision was announced in his official video message published on Facebook and immediately drew public and media attention, as he had previously been actively involved in the country’s political process, and his candidacy was one of the most controversial and widely discussed elements of Romania’s current political scene. Georgescu, known for his pro-Russian views and unfriendly statements regarding European integration and support for Ukraine, admitted that he no longer wishes to participate actively in political life. “I have made a difficult but clear decision — to cease my active involvement in the political process. Now I will become a passive observer of events in the country and in society,” he stated in his video address. At the same time, he emphasized that he has no plans to establish his own political force or run again in any government structure. According to Georgescu, his main focus in this new role will be on family values and personal health, especially after what he called serious upheavals and trials over the past few months. “I need time now to focus on my family, regain strength, and concentrate on my health. These are more important than any political ambitions,” he added. At the same time, the ex-candidate did not rule out the possibility of returning to politics in the future. “Although this phase is over, I still believe in the ideals I fought for. If a real opportunity arises to do something good and useful for Romania, I am ready to re-enter political life,” he emphasized. This announcement came as a surprise to many, given his previous active involvement and support for pro-Russian forces in the country. It is known that in 2024, Georgescu was banned from entering Ukraine due to his openly anti-Ukrainian stance, and his support for pro-Russian organizations in Romania has repeatedly drawn criticism and concern from European institutions regarding potential influence from the so-called “Russian world” in the region. Additionally, the figure of Gherghe Simion, leader of the far-right party AUR, which actively promotes pro-Russian and anti-Western ideas, remains largely overlooked by many observers and politicians in Romania. Following his defeat in the presidential elections, Simion acknowledged his loss and congratulated his opponent — Bucharest mayor Nicuşor Dan, with whom he had a conflict in the past over his pro-European orientation. It is worth recalling that before the elections, Georgescu openly supported a pro-Russian course and announced the possible appointment of his political “alliance” as prime minister in the event of victory. Such statements caused even greater resonance in Southern Europe, as they indicate efforts by some politicians to destabilize the region and intensify anti-Western sentiments. Overall, Georgescu’s decision to step away from active politics speaks not only to his personal intentions but also reflects a shift in the political climate in Romania, where issues related to foreign orientation and internal stability remain among the most sensitive topics in society. His return to the political stage, however, remains uncertain given his statements about focusing on personal and family life. Nonetheless, analysts do not rule out that in the future, under favorable circumstances, Georgescu’s political experience could re-emerge, as there still appears to be an underlying desire for influence and political victories in his words.