Romanian far-right populist Calin Georgescu has appealed the decision to bar him from running in the country’s presidential election rerun.

Former Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta joined the race for May's presidential election re-run on Wednesday, throwing the contest wide open after pro-Russian far-right candidate Calin Georgescu was barred from running.

By Luiza Ilie BUCHAREST (Reuters) -Romanian far-right presidential contender Calin Georgescu said on Monday he would challenge a decision to bar him from taking part in an election rerun in May, but analysts said his chances of standing were slim amid fears of Russian meddling.