Călin Georgescu, who is definitely leading the race for Romanian presidency, in an interview given to writer Ion Cristoiu suggested that Ukraine is “a fictional state”.
In his opinion, the division between neighbouring countries after the war with Russia is "immeasurable".
– I am 100% convinced that Ukraine will be divided," Georgescu said.
He added that Romania should recover the areas where Romanians live, including northern Bukovina, Bugeac and northern Marmaroz, and Lviv should return to Poland. He besides suggested that Hungary may submit claims to parts of Ukraine's territory.
Georgescu's statements met with a decisive consequence from both the authorities in Kiev and Bucharest.
The Ukrainian Ministry of abroad Affairs described his words as “a manifestation of utmost disrespect for Ukraine and its citizens” and his alleged political “independence” as “absurd”.
– His statements are a duplication of Russian propaganda and show a complete dependence on his Moscow powers," said MFA spokesperson of Ukraine, Heorhi Tyhij.
The Romanian Ministry of abroad Affairs powerfully distanced themselves from Georgesc, re-declaring "unwavering support" for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independency of Ukraine.
Other Romanian politicians have besides criticised the thesis of far-right politics. Euro MP Dan Barn called his words "crazy", and the leader of the Liberal USR party, Elena Lasconi, applying for the presidency, concluded that "too fewer votes condemned these absurd words."
Georgescu refers to historical lands that belonged to Romania before planet War II:
- Northern Bukovina – occupied by the USSR in 1940, now part of Ukraine (the Chernivtsi Oblast).
- South Besarabia (Bugeac) – was a part of Romania until 1940, now owned by Ukraine (Oodsk Oblast).
- Northern Marmaroz – a erstwhile part of Romania, now in Ukraine (the Zakarpackie circuit).
However, modern Romania, as a associate of the EU and NATO, does not make authoritative territorial claims against Ukraine, and the government in Bucharest supports Kiev in the war against Russia.
Who's Călin Georgescu?
A fewer months ago Georgescu was an almost anonymous character, but uncompromising communicative and unconventional views gained him large popularity. In the first circular of the November 2024 presidential election, he won 23% of the vote, allowing him to enter the second circular against pro-European candidate Elena Lasconi.
However, the election results were cancelled by the Romanian Constitutional Court in December 2024. The reason was reports of an interview about "aggressive hybrid attacks" on Romania, including coordinated disinformation campaigns on social media, especially on TikTok. Both major candidates – both Georgescu and Lasconi – condemned the decision to cancel the election. Lasconi called it “the assassination of democracy”.
The fresh circular of presidential elections was designated May 2025. According to Georgescu's polls, he is inactive the race leader, enjoying the support of 38% to as much as 50% of voters.
To increase their chances, parties of the current ruling coalition (including Social Democrats and the National-Liberal Party) agreed to put forward a joint candidate – Crin Antonescu, erstwhile Liberal organization leader.
