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.

Analysts have said Ponta could sway some Georgescu voters away from whoever the hard-right parties put forward - giving him a chance of reaching the second round, where he could f