Calin Georgescu, the far-right frontrunner in Romania’s presidential vote, has been barred from running in May’s election, in an explosive decision that sparked violence on the streets of Bucharest and came despite pressure from Washington to “listen” to voters’ demands.

Chaos broke out in Romania's capital Sunday evening as incensed supporters of the far-right populist Calin Georgescu protested the electoral body's decision to reject his candidacy in a presidential election redo.