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Romania Faces Political Turmoil as Far-Right Candidates Challenge Election Bans

Controversial figures Diana Șoșoacă, George Simion, and Ana Maria Gavrilă file bids for May's presidential rerun amid allegations of judicial bias and foreign interference.

Victor Ponta, former Romanian prime minister, wearing a hat reading "Romania first", leaves after submitting his candidacy for presidential elections, in Bucharest, Romania, March 12, 2025. REUTERS/Andreea Campeanu
Victor Ponta, former Romanian prime minister, talks to media after submitting his candidacy for presidential elections, in Bucharest, Romania, March 12, 2025. REUTERS/Andreea Campeanu
Image
Controversial Romanian politician Diana Sosoaca, who was barred by a top court from entering last year's presidential election, raises her hands wearing boxing gloves as she arrives at the country's electoral authority to register in an unlikely bid to enter the May rerun in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)

Overview

  • Diana Șoșoacă, previously barred from running due to her anti-EU and NATO stance, has filed a new presidential candidacy, claiming the prior ban cannot be re-applied.
  • The Romanian Constitutional Court annulled last year's presidential election over allegations of Russian interference, fueling accusations of political manipulation and deepening mistrust in democratic institutions.
  • George Simion and Ana Maria Gavrilă, key figures in Romania's far-right movement, are racing to collect 200,000 signatures by March 15 to qualify as candidates for the May election rerun.
  • Protests erupted across Romania following the rejection of Călin Georgescu's candidacy, with critics accusing the judiciary of undermining democracy and silencing sovereigntist voices.
  • The final list of presidential candidates will be confirmed by March 19, as Romania navigates a contentious election cycle with significant implications for its political future.