Romania's former presidential front-runner faces criminal investigation

BUCHAREST - Romanian prosecutors on Wednesday launched a criminal investigation into former presidential front-runner Calin Georgescu, placing him under 60-day judicial control with restrictions on foreign travel and posting "contents of legionary, fascist, anti-Semitic, racist or xenophobic nature" online.

Georgescu faces six charges, including attempted incitement against the constitutional order, spreading false information, and establishing a fascist, racist, or xenophobic organization, according to the Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities conducted 47 searches across multiple counties, including the financing of his electoral campaign. The probe also extends to his associate, mercenary leader Horatiu Potra, whose residence was found to contain illegal weapons, including grenades and submachine guns, as well as over one million euros ($1.05 million) in cash hidden under the floor.

According to local media, Georgescu was taken in for questioning on Wednesday after being stopped in traffic by police executing a warrant for his detention. He left the Prosecutor's Office after five hours of questioning.

In the annulled presidential election, Georgescu had advanced to a runoff against Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union party.

A rerun is set for May 4, with a possible runoff on May 18. It remains unclear whether Georgescu will be allowed to participate.