Romania's electoral office rejected far-right candidate Calin Georgescu's nomination for a re-run of last year's presidential election in May, triggering uproar among his followers in Bucharest.

Georgescu rose to fame almost quickly, surprisingly winning the first round of the presidential election last November.

However, Romania's constitutional court nullified the poll soon before the second round in December, citing Russian interference and "massive" social media endorsement of Georgescu.

In detail, Georgescu faces accusations of election campaign funding violations, involvement in a fascist organization, and endorsing war criminals and extremist ideologies. The broadcaster noted that authorities made the decision after merging two criminal cases related to extremist activities at a national level.  

A key focus of the investigation is a speech Georgescu delivered at Bucharest’s University Square, where he reportedly praised Marshal Ion Antonescu and performed a banned legionary salute. Georgescu’s communication office confirmed the incident.  

"Calin Georgescu was about to submit his new candidacy for the presidency. Approximately 30 minutes ago, the system stopped him in traffic and took him in for questioning at the General Prosecutor’s Office! Where is democracy, and where are the partners who should be defending it?" read a Facebook post from his team.  

The electoral office announced in a statement Sunday that it had decided "the rejection of the registration of Georgescu's independent candidacy," without explanation.

Georgescu, who has the right to contest the decision at Romania's constitutional court, described the action on X as "a direct blow to the heart of democracy worldwide," as he leads opinion polls with almost 40% of the vote.

The judgment provoked conflicts between Georgescu supporters and police in Bucharest, as some 300 people gathered in front of the election commission.

According to police, "Following a decision of the Central Electoral Bureau, the participants of the... public gathering broke through the cordon of gendarmes in order to enter the headquarters of the institution."

"The situation is under control now," police spokesperson Marius Militaru told Digi24 TV.

Last Monday, authorities charged Georgescu on a number of crimes, including making "false statements" about his campaign finances as tens of thousands have protested the decision.

Additional allegations made against Georgescu include "instigation to actions against the constitutional order, in attempted form" plus "initiating or constituting a fascist, racist or xenophobic organisation, joining or supporting, in any form, such a group."

Georgescu has described the annulment of last November's vote as a "formalised coup d'état."