Calin Georgescu, the independent candidate whose unexpected rise in Romania’s 2025 presidential election prompted the annulment of the vote, announced Monday that he is stepping away from politics. In a video posted online, the 63-year-old said he would become “a passive observer of public and social life” and would remain unaffiliated with any political party.

Georgescu gained national attention last November when he surged from an obscure figure to the frontrunner in the first round of the presidential race, surpassing the incumbent prime minister and upending Romania’s political landscape. Despite denying wrongdoing, he was barred from the election rerun in May, which was won by pro-EU candidate Nicusor Dan, a mathematician and former Bucharest mayor. The hard-right nationalist George Simion became Georgescu’s nominal successor.

Georgescu cited the conclusion of the presidential contest as the reason for stepping back, saying it marked the end of the “sovereignist movement.” He emphasized that the ideals he supported remain intact and framed his decision as a move away from politics, not history.

His candidacy had sparked controversy due to past statements praising Romanian nationalist figures from the 1930s and 1940s and expressing admiration for Vladimir Putin, while questioning the legitimacy of Ukraine’s statehood. Prosecutors opened criminal proceedings against Georgescu in February, accusing him of incitement to undermine the constitutional order, election campaign funding abuses, and support for fascist, racist, xenophobic, or antisemitic organizations. A Bucharest prosecutor’s office later extended the investigation following remarks he made on television earlier this year.

Previously a member of Simion’s Alliance for the Unity of Romanians, Georgescu left in 2022 amid internal disputes and accusations of pro-Russian leanings. His barred candidacy turned him into a figurehead for nationalist and anti-establishment supporters, with high-profile international figures such as U.S. Vice President JD Vance and entrepreneur Elon Musk criticizing Romania for canceling the election.

Earlier this year, thousands of demonstrators rallied in Bucharest in support of Georgescu, who characterized himself as a persecuted anti-system candidate challenging the country’s political establishment. While he confirmed his withdrawal from active politics, he left the door open to return if a future opportunity arises that he believes could benefit Romania and its citizens.