Far-right Romanian politician George Becali may have have enjoyed success in the European elections but legal problems are preventing him taking up his seat — at least for now.

A Bucharest court has banned him from leaving the country over an accusation that he ordered his bodyguards to seize three men who allegedly tried to steal his car. He told reporters: “If the Romanian people voted for Becali to go to the European Parliament — 16 percent in Bucharest alone — what do you want? If you (journalists) don’t like it, why don’t you go and vote in their place.” Prosecuters claim Becali’s security staff, acting on his orders, illegally detained and threatened the three men. The incident was captured on video. The millionaire owner of the Steaua Bucharest football club is also being investigated over bribery and match-fixing allegations. Becali says he is determined to take up his seat, but the European Parliament could decide to put his mandate on hold until the legal actions are resolved.More about: European elections, Romania

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