Călin Georgescu greeted by fake priest during political tour at Iași monastery

The priest who greeted Călin Georgescu at Dobrovăț Monastery during his visit to Iași county does not work at the monastery and is not affiliated with the Archdiocese of Iași, the Moldavia and Bucovina Metropolis confirmed to Ziarul de Iași.

Local media images show the man stopping Georgescu's car and presenting him with a large cross. Ziarul de Iași reported that he could belong to Georgescu's close circle. His presence at the monastery did not mean the former presidential candidate's visit was entirely unannounced. Dobrovăț mayor Cătălin Martinuș and the monastery's abbot, Father Chesarie Codreanu, had reportedly been informed in advance by people around Georgescu.

The visit apparently fell short of organizers' expectations. Local reports said organizers had discussed with the mayor whether buses carrying supporters, as reportedly happened in Vaslui, should come to Dobrovăț. Notices offering free bus transport to places Georgescu planned to visit in the county had circulated in several Facebook groups.

Martinuș reportedly told residents in an internal group that such buses would not come to Dobrovăț, while people who wanted to meet the former presidential candidate would have that opportunity. “There will be peace and quiet in this respect. It is part of the understanding discussed with the team. People who wish to meet him will simply be given the opportunity. I have always believed that I am not in the service of a party, but of you,” he reportedly said.

Only a small group of supporters attended the meeting, including known Iași protesters who had taken part in recent pro-Russian events, including gatherings at the Eternitatea cemetery attended by Russia's ambassador. They were joined by admirers from Dobrovăț. The visit took place while Georgescu is standing trial in a case concerning an alleged attempt to destabilize Romania's constitutional order.

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There will be peace and quiet in this respect. It is part of the understanding discussed with the team. People who wish to meet him will simply be given the opportunity. I have always believed that I am not in the service of a party, but of you.