The United States has imposed a travel ban on Liviu Dragnea, the jailed former leader of Romania's ruling Social Democrats, and his immediate family members, saying they have been involved in "significant corruption."
The State Department said on September 5 that Dragnea and his two children -- Valentin and Maria -- are "ineligible for entry into the United States."
"Today's action sends a strong signal that the United States is committed to fighting corruption and supporting the rule of law in Romania," it said in a statement.
Romania's image in Western capitals, including Washington, has been damaged recently by political scandals that question the government's commitment to fighting corruption, analysts have said.
Dragnea, a former speaker of the lower house of parliament, is under investigation in a separate case on suspicion of forming a criminal group to siphon off cash from state projects.
The 56-year-old had previously been banned from becoming prime minister due to a conviction for vote-rigging, for which he received a two-year suspended sentence in 2016.
Prime Minister Viorica Dancila, Dragnea's successor as head of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), will face off against President Klaus Iohannis in the first round of Romania’s presidential election scheduled for November 10.
U.S. Slaps Travel Ban On Jailed Romanian Ex-Political Leader Dragnea

Related
Editors' Picks
Top Trending
1
U.S. Ex-General Says Russia Benefits From Dam Blast, Putin 'Likely' To Use Nuclear Weapons Rather Than Lose In Ukraine
2Destruction Of Major Dam In Ukraine Causes Massive Flooding, Raises Fears Of Environmental Disaster
3Ukrainian Military Says Forces Making Advances In Bakhmut Area
4Ukrainian Forces Storm Russian Trenches North Of Bakhmut
5'Putin Is Not In Control': Photos Show Widespread Destruction In Russia's Belgorod Region
6Wagner Group Posts Video Of Russian Officer In Sign Of Rising Tensions With Army
7Kremlin Says Putin Mobilization Announcement Broadcast On Radio Stations Was 'Fake'
8After The Flood: What We Know About The Destroyed Ukrainian Dam And Its Consequences
9Live Briefing: Russia Invades Ukraine
10Russian Officer Accuses Wagner Group Of Abductions, Torture Of Russian Military Personnel
Subscribe