Europa FM Warned by CNA Over Commentator's Remarks on Voters

Radio station Europa FM has been issued a formal warning by Romania's National Audiovisual Council (CNA) following controversial remarks made by commentator Cristian Tudor Popescu. Popescu referred to supporters of presidential candidate Călin Georgescu as "psychologically ill" and "mentally alienated."

The CNA found the language used to be offensive. While a fine of 10,000 lei was initially considered, the regulatory body ultimately decided on a less severe sanction: a formal warning. The statements were made on April 7 during the "România în Direct" program, hosted by Cătălin Striblea.

During a discussion about Georgescu, whom Popescu repeatedly called "godlike," the commentator suggested that the large number of his supporters could indicate "millions of psychologically ill people." He further stated he could only characterize Georgescu's voters as "mentally alienated."

Moderator Cătălin Striblea immediately questioned Popescu's phrasing, asking if it was "too harsh." Popescu defended his choice of words, explaining that "alienated" in this context meant estranged or distant from reality, rather than "crazy." He later elaborated that "alienated" does not mean "stupid or crazy" but rather "foreign" or "estranged." Representatives from Europa FM noted that the moderator had reacted promptly to the guest's statements, drawing his attention to the harshness of his language.