Romania Rejects Sosoaca, Approves Simion for Election \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Romania’s electoral authority rejected far-right politician Diana Sosoaca from the May presidential rerun, citing previous disqualifications. Meanwhile, George Simion, leader of Romania’s most popular far-right party, was approved despite concerns over potential exclusion. The rerun follows the annulment of last year’s elections due to alleged Russian interference, deepening Romania’s political turmoil.
Romania’s Presidential Rerun: Quick Looks
- Election Bureau’s Decision: Diana Sosoaca was barred from running, while George Simion was approved.
- Reason for Rejection: Sosoaca’s anti-EU and anti-NATO rhetoric deemed her unfit for the presidency.
- Political Climate: The May 4 rerun follows the annulment of last year’s election due to Russian interference allegations.
- Far-Right Influence: Simion’s AUR party has gained momentum, doubling its vote share in recent years.
- Public Reaction: Pro-EU rallies counter rising sovereignist and ultranationalist movements in Romania.
- Upcoming Deadlines: The final list of candidates will be confirmed by March 19 after appeals.
Deep Look
Romania’s Central Election Bureau (BEC) has rejected the candidacy of far-right politician Diana Sosoaca in the presidential election rerun scheduled for May, while approving George Simion, the leader of the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), the country’s most prominent far-right party.
The decision comes amid mounting political tension following the annulment of last year’s election, which was overturned due to alleged Russian interference. The rejection of pro-Russia nationalist Sosoaca has deepened Romania’s political divide, with her supporters claiming democratic rights are being undermined.
Diana Sosoaca Barred from the Election
On Saturday, the BEC dismissed Sosoaca’s candidacy, citing the same reasons that led to her disqualification from the previous election. The decision is based on her opposition to Romania’s EU and NATO memberships, which the Constitutional Court (CCR) ruled as making her unfit for the presidency.
Sosoaca, a former lawyer and leader of the nationalist S.O.S. Romania party, has been a controversial figure in Romanian politics. She has frequently voiced pro-Russia sentiments, making her a divisive candidate.
In response to the decision, Sosoaca announced plans to appeal, which must be submitted to the Constitutional Court within 24 hours. She also posted an open letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, claiming that the election has been rigged and that democracy in Romania is under threat.
The court’s decision to bar her from last year’s election had already sparked criticism from civil rights groups and politicians, who argued it was politically motivated and harmful to democracy.
George Simion Approved, but Raises Concerns
While Sosoaca was rejected, the election bureau approved the candidacy of George Simion, leader of the far-right AUR party. However, Simion himself remains under criminal investigation for inciting violence after last year’s first-round winner, Calin Georgescu, was disqualified earlier this week.
“Now let’s see if we can pass the CCR and return to democracy,” Simion wrote on Facebook, expressing concerns that he too could face disqualification.
Simion, who finished fourth in last year’s first-round election with 13.8% of the vote, has denied any wrongdoing and claims that the investigation is politically motivated.
“I risk being subjected to the same abusive treatment… If they eliminated two, they think they can eliminate a third,” he said at a press conference after filing his candidacy.
Simion has been a controversial figure in Romanian politics, advocating for reunification with neighboring Moldova, which banned him from entering the country. He is also barred from Ukraine, where authorities cited security concerns.
Why Was Last Year’s Election Annulled?
Romania’s presidential election crisis began when the Constitutional Court overturned the results of the 2023 election just two days before the December 8 runoff. The annulment followed allegations that Russia had conducted a coordinated online campaign to promote far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, who ran as an independent. Moscow denied any involvement.
This unprecedented decision threw Romania into political turmoil, sparking criticism from U.S. Vice President JD Vance, billionaire Elon Musk, and even Russian officials.
Far-Right Rising in Romania
Like other European nations, Romania has seen a rise in far-right support in recent years. Simion’s AUR party, which campaigns on nationalism, traditional values, and Euroskepticism, has gained ground politically.
In the 2020 parliamentary election, AUR doubled its support, rising from 9% to 18.2%. The party’s growing influence has alarmed pro-European factions, leading to public demonstrations.
On Saturday, thousands of pro-EU demonstrators gathered in Bucharest, waving Romanian and EU flags. Organizers described the protest as a counter-movement against the rise of sovereignism and ultranationalism.
“The impairment of Europe is underway. … People are in danger of discouragement, disappointment. So we need to gather together to reunite,” said Mihai Calin, an actor at the National Theatre Bucharest.
Other Candidates and Next Steps
Aside from Simion, the BEC also approved pro-Western candidate Elena Lasconi, leader of the Save Romania Union (USR) party. Lasconi had been set to face Georgescu in last year’s scheduled runoff before the election was annulled.
- Election Dates:
- The first round of the presidential rerun is scheduled for May 4.
- If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held on May 18.
- Final Candidacy List:
- The deadline for candidate submissions was Saturday at midnight.
- Any appeals and final rejections will be processed by March 19.
Romania’s political landscape remains highly volatile, with uncertainty surrounding whether Simion could face last-minute disqualification. As the May election approaches, the battle between far-right nationalism and pro-European democracy is set to intensify.
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