- Diana Sosoaca disqualified for opposing NATO/EU mandates
- George Simion approved despite criminal investigations
- 2023 election annulled over Russian interference allegations
- AUR party doubles parliamentary support since 2020
- Pro-EU rallies counter far-right 'sovereignism' wave
Romania’s Central Election Bureau (BEC) sparked fresh controversy by rejecting far-right politician Diana Sosoaca’s presidential candidacy while greenlighting George Simion’s bid. This decision intensifies tensions in a nation still reeling from last year’s election annulment. Sosoaca, leader of the nationalist S.O.S. Romania party, faced exclusion over constitutional violations tied to her anti-NATO rhetoric – mirroring her 2023 disqualification.
In a fiery online response, Sosoaca accused authorities of dismantling democracy, directly addressing former U.S. President Trump. Her removal follows Constitutional Court concerns that her policies endanger Romania’s international alliances. Meanwhile, Simion’s Alliance for Romanian Unity (AUR) gains legitimacy despite ongoing probes into alleged campaign violence. The party now holds 18% parliamentary seats, doubling its 2020 results.
The political crisis traces to December’s voided runoff, where Russian social media campaigns allegedly boosted far-right candidate Calin Georgescu. With Simion now campaigning for Moldovan reunification – a stance banning him from Moldova and Ukraine – analysts warn of renewed foreign interference risks. Over 5,000 pro-EU demonstrators flooded Bucharest streets Saturday, waving flags and decrying nationalism’s surge.
Mihai Calin, a Bucharest actor at the rally, told AP: 'Europe’s fabric is tearing. We’re here to reignite hope against extremist tides.' Parallels emerge to Hungary’s Jobbik and Poland’s Law and Justice parties, where right-wing groups gained power through anti-EU narratives. Unlike those cases, Romania’s constitutional safeguards have so far blocked extremist presidential bids.
As the May 4 election approaches, all eyes are on Simion’s pending CCR review. The candidate claims 'political sabotage,' referencing Georgescu’s earlier exclusion. With final candidate lists due March 19, this race could redefine Balkan geopolitics amid Ukraine’s ongoing conflict.
