Romania Court Bans Nationalist Candidate Over Pro-Russian Stance

Romania's top court disqualified nationalist candidate Diana Sosoaca due to her pro-Russian and anti-EU views, sparking debate on constitutional powers. The ruling raised tensions within the coalition of Social Democrats and Liberals, both contesting the upcoming presidential election slated for November and December.

The Constitutional Court of Romania has ruled that Diana Sosoaca, a hardline nationalist candidate known for her pro-Russian and anti-European Union stances, is ineligible to run for president in the forthcoming election. The decision, made late on Saturday and later explained in detail, removes the leader of the small ultra-nationalist eurosceptic party SOS Romania from the ballot.

The ruling has sparked controversy, with politicians from various parties expressing concerns over the court's perceived overreach. The decision has also strained relations within the ruling coalition of leftist Social Democrats and center-right Liberals, whose leaders are competing in the upcoming election, casting doubt on their future alliance.

Romania, a member of the European Union and NATO, is preparing for a two-round presidential election scheduled for November 24 and December 8, with parliamentary elections in between. While any Romanian over 35 without a criminal record can run for president, the court deemed Sosoaca's views inconsistent with constitutional and democratic values.

(With inputs from agencies.)