Bucharest Court Extends Pre-Trial Detention for Far-Right Figure Calin Georgescu in Fraud Probe

A Romanian appeals court has overturned a lower court ruling to extend the pre-trial detention of far-right politician Calin Georgescu by 30 days. The decision by the Bucharest Court of Appeal keeps Georgescu in police custody until November 27, reversing an October 13 order that would have moved the pro-Russian former presidential candidate to house arrest for 30 days.

Prosecutors are investigating Georgescu and two other suspects in connection with an alleged 1.1 million euro ($1.2m) fraud case. According to investigators, the suspects persuaded a Romanian businessman to hand over the funds by falsely claiming they could help him secure a credit line of up to 15 million euros ($16.7m) from a foreign financial institution. Georgescu has denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the legal proceedings against him as politically motivated.

The case has drawn vocal public demonstrations. Hundreds of Georgescu supporters gathered to protest the investigation, with some demonstrators entering the Bucharest court building to demand his release. George Simion, leader of the hard-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians, had previously described the lower court’s house arrest order as evidence that the protesters were being heard.

Georgescu previously emerged as the frontrunner in Romania’s November 2024 presidential election, winning the most votes in the first round. However, the electoral process was subsequently scrapped following allegations of Russian interference—an accusation that Moscow has denied. Georgescu was barred from running in the subsequent rerun, which was won in May 2025 by pro-European centrist Nicusor Dan.

In addition to the current fraud probe, prosecutors have brought a separate set of accusations against Georgescu. Those charges include instigating violence following the annulment of the ballot, disseminating false information, attempting to disrupt national security, and promoting 1930s fascist leaders.

The legal proceedings unfold against a backdrop of broader political shifts in Romania. Other far-right figures have rallied behind Georgescu, vowing solidarity amid ongoing uncertainty. Meanwhile, Parliament approved a new government led by pro-European Prime Minister Luca Niculescu this month, resolving months of legislative deadlock that followed the collapse of the previous ruling coalition in May.