Romania Bars Another Nationalist From Presidential Race For Opposing EU, NATO Membership

Romania's electoral commission has barred another populist candidate, Diana Sosoaca, from running in the country's presidential election, citing her opposition to Romania's memberships in the European Union and NATO. The commission's decision is based on the fact that EU and NATO memberships are explicitly acknowledged in Romania's constitution, but this has raised concerns about the freedom of political candidates to advocate for changes. Sosoaca has been a vocal critic of Romania's EU and NATO memberships and has also been condemned for advocating for friendly relations with Russia. She has vowed to appeal the decision, stating that it proves Romania is not a democracy. Sosoaca is the leader of the nationalist S.O.S. Romania Party and has been compared to Donald Trump for her oratory style. Another right-wing candidate, George Simion, has managed to survive the election bureau's scrutiny and will appear on the May 4 ballot, despite being investigated for allegedly inciting violence. Simion has condemned the exclusion of Sosoaca, saying it represents a blow to Romanian democracy and a violation of fundamental rights and freedoms. The developments in Romania have raised concerns about the state of democracy in the country, with some arguing that the leftist establishment is trying to suppress populist voices. The country's electoral process has been marred by controversy, including the banning of another right-wing candidate, Calin Georgescu, and the annulment of the entire electoral process in December. The situation has sparked outrage and concerns about the freedom of speech and the integrity of the electoral process in Romania.