Romania’s Constitutional Court rejected the candidacy of national-oriented MEP Diana Șoșoacă, according to Euractiv.
Șoșoacă’s candidacy was rejected twice, although an official explanation of the decision had not yet been published. She is the leader of the SOS Romania party and is known for opposing aid to Ukraine.
Two people, including former SOS Romania member Analia Bellantoni, challenged Șoșoacă’s candidacy, accusing her of submitting forged signatures to the Central Electoral Commission. However, Șoșoacă argued that the court had no authority to verify the signatures, accusing it of violating the Romanian Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights.
The decision sparked sharp criticism and accusations among politicians. Oppositionists accused the CCR of serving the interests of the PSD (Social Democratic Party), suggesting that Șoșoacă’s removal would benefit another candidate, George Simion, and possibly pave the way for a presidential victory for Marcel Ciolacu of the PSD.
Independent presidential candidate Mircea Geoană condemned the court’s decision, warning of its anti-democratic consequences. Meanwhile, USR leader and presidential candidate Elena Lasconi noted that “at first glance, this ban on Șoșoacă’s candidacy seems like a dream come true for Marcel Ciolacu.”
