Romania leader won't invite 'penal' politicians to reception

BUCHAREST, Romania – Romania's president says he will not invite politicians who have been convicted or are under investigation to Dec. 1 national day celebrations.

Klaus Iohannis said Tuesday "in a law-abiding country... it is good to send the message that we are promoting clean politics."

Chairman of the Social Democratic Party Liviu Dragnea is not on the guest list to a military parade and a reception. He was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence this year for voting fraud.

Senate speaker Calin Popescu Tariceanu, charged with making false statements to protect people in a real estate case, has also been snubbed.

Iohannis said, "in Europe's democratic countries" politicians who are being probed "take a step back until they resolve their problems."

Dragnea, however, said Iohannis had "confused politics with the nation."