Far-right neo-Legionary movement looms over Romania’s election re-run

Romanians head to the polls on Sunday for a re-run of last November’s presidential election, which was annulled following reports of foreign interference. That vote had seen the surprise victory of a previously unknown far-right independent candidate: Calin Georgescu. An isolationist and ultra-nationalist, Georgescu has ties to neo-Legionary groups, which have roots in the pre-war Iron Guard fascist movement. This stance is increasingly resonating with voters in the “sovereigntist” camp, while alarming liberal circles. Though Georgescu’s candidacy was later struck down by the Constitutional Court, he is being replaced by George Simion, who has vowed to use every means necessary to propel Georgescu to power. FRANCE 24’s Maria Gerth-Niculescu reports.