Anti -government protesters join before the Romanian elections

Bucharest, Romania (AP) – tens of thousands of protesters gathered in the capital of Romania on Saturday in the last anti -government manifestation by extreme right groups After a superior court he canceled a presidential election in the country of the European Union last year.

The protesters converged in front of the government building in Bucharest, stirring the tricolor flags of Romania and the slogans as “Down with the government!” and “thieves.” Many expressed support for Calin Georgescuthat arose as the favorite in the canceled elections of December, and demanded that they resumed the second round.

George Simion, the leader of the extreme right -wing alliance for the Romanian unity, who organized the protest, told the followers on Saturday: “We are united, we are strong. We are here because our vote was stolen. Because democracy was trampled. “

Simion told journalists that the protest was aimed at “restoring democracy and free elections” and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu.

“We do not trust that the next elections are free and fair,” he said.

A vote without confidence on Friday, which was backed by Aur and two other opposition parties of the extreme right, failed to unravel the Pro-Western Coalition Government of Ciacu, which formed after a December 1 parliamentary election.

Stir to the scheduled election for May 4

Romania has seen recurring protests after the Constitutional Court made the unprecedented movement to cancel elections Two days before the runoff on December 8 after Georgescu Surprise Victoria de First Ronda. The extreme right populist had surveyed in a single digit and declared zero campaign expense. The accusations of electoral violations and the Russian interference arose quickly. Moscow has denied that it entrusts in Romania’s elections.

Wednesday, Romanian prosecutors launched a criminal investigation against Georgescuaccusing him of supporting fascist groups, “incitement to actions against the constitutional order” and false statements regarding the financing of the electoral campaign and the revelations of assets. Prosecutors have put it under judicial control, according to their lawyers.

Georgescu, who has repeatedly denied any irregularity, attended Saturday’s protest where he told supporters that “the system has tried maliciously to divide” and that “ancient and new friends tried to block my candidacy.”

The first round of the repetition of the elections is scheduled for May 4. If no candidate obtains more than 50% of the tickets, a runoff will continue on May 18.

It is not yet clear if Georgescu can participate in the new elections.