Romanian far-right organization once led by former presidential candidate Călin Georgescu has been officially disbanded.
Busting Up: The Pământul Strașesc Association Calls it Quits
In a surprising turn of events, the Pământul Strașesc Association, helmed by former presidential candidate Calin Georgescu and a few others, has decided to disband.
This association, named after an interwar Legionary magazine, took shape in 2021 and counts among its founders a former AUR parliamentary candidate and a former officer of the army's secret service, Bogdan Vacusta, as revealed by Digi24.
The association's objectives center around disseminating knowledge related to distributist theory and practice, as well as promoting alternative socio-economic models like peer-to-peer, open-source, and blockchain. While they claimed to back small producers and national identity, the organization primarily served as a platform for Calin Georgescu.
The announcement about the disbandment was made on the association's official Facebook page, stating, "Today, as we lay down with peace the decision to dissolve, we are not extinguishing a flame, but entrusting it to you." They also hinted that the spirit behind the association may resurface under different names in other places to safeguard Romania's national soul.
In February, their headquarters were searched by prosecutors, tied to the ongoing case against Calin Georgescu who, in May, stepped back from public life, facing six allegations, with the most serious being incitement to actions against the constitutional order.
Bogdan Vacusta, another founder, worked at the General Directorate of Defense Intelligence between 2002 and 2015 and is the association's "development director." Beyond that, his name often appears in articles about cryptocurrencies and he's reportedly participated in several conferences in the Russian Federation.
Ovidiu Hurduzeu, another founder, praised Calin Georgescu in 2019 for his defense of distributist economic doctrine. Press reports suggest he is favorably portrayed by Sputnik, the Russian Federation's main propaganda outlet in Romania. Hurduzeu also expressed concern about Putin's predicament during the protests following the arrest of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
Venture into the world of alternative economics, and controversy is sure to follow, especially when associated with figures like Calin Georgescu. The perception of these organizations can vary greatly, ranging from essential alternatives to mainstream economics to divisive, outdated movements. To gain a clearer understanding, one must delve directly into the organization or its leadership.
In the wake of the dissolution of the Pământul Strașesc Association, discussions about its disbandment might shift towards war-and-conflicts, politics, and general news, as the association's founders had strong political connections and were involved in controversial economic discussions. The association's development director, Bogdan Vacusta, who previously served in the army's secret service, has been associated with cryptocurrencies and has participated in conferences in the Russian Federation, adding an international dimension to the group's activities.
