Romania's government has launched a formal diplomatic protest, summoning France's ambassador to Bucharest following what it condemns as 'xenophobic' and 'racist' comments made by a French presidential candidate.
The controversy erupted after Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, leader of the 'Rise Up France' party, made disparaging remarks about Romanians during a television appearance. The candidate's comments have been met with widespread condemnation from Romanian officials.
A stern diplomatic rebuke was delivered by Romania's Foreign Ministry, which expressed its 'deep dismay' over the incident. The ministry's statement emphasised that such language from a political figure was 'unacceptable' and damaging to the relationship between the two European nations.
This incident highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding migration and rhetoric within the European Union. Diplomatic observers note that such exchanges are particularly significant when they involve candidates for high office in member states.
The French embassy in Bucharest has acknowledged the meeting with Romanian officials but has not yet made any public statements regarding the content of the discussions or the candidate's remarks.
