Romania’s highest court has banned populist pro-Russian politician Diana Sosoaca from running for president.
The Constitutional Court voted 5-2 on Saturday to not validate her bid for the presidential ballot on Nov. 24.
Digi24 reported on Sunday that the judges rejected Mrs. Șoșoaca’s over public statements that showed “a lack of attachment to the Constitution.”
The European MEP has called for the EU and NATO member to have closer relations with Russia. She is known for her anti-vaccine stance and is a generally populist and divisive politician who would have won few votes.
Reacting to the news, Mrs. Șoșoacă, 48, called the ruling, which is final, “illegal.”
She suggested Romania’s political parties and intelligence services had maneuvered to get her out of the race.
It was not immediately clear what effect her exit would have on the race, especially as she wasn’t considered one of the top five candidates.
In a press release, the Constitutional Court said it had admitted two appeals against her candidacy. It did not immediately give a reason for the ruling. Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu criticized the ruling calling it “disproportionate.”
The court rejected several appeals against the candidacies of other politicians.
The front-runners are Prime Minister Ciolacu, Senate speaker Nicolae Ciuca and former NATO deputy secretary general, Mircea Geoana.
President Klaus Iohannis is stepping down after a maximum two terms.
