Romanian Senator Quits USR, Citing Party's Self-Focus; May Join New Sovereignist Group

Romanian Senator George Ștefanache announced his resignation from the USR party, citing that the organization's focus is increasingly on itself rather than on people. The party's local leader claims the senator will likely join a newly established "sovereignist" structure. Ștefanache stated he will serve as an independent senator for a period, continuing to represent his constituents in Parliament. USR Galați president Bogdan Rodeanu responded on Facebook, saying he anticipated this move for a year and a half and predicting the senator's eventual transition to a new sovereignist formation. In his resignation post, Ștefanache criticized the local organization's direction, noting his concerns focus on people while the party's are about itself. He also claimed prominent USR figures would never campaign in Galați. Ștefanache is serving his first Senate term, having been elected in 2024.