A founding member of Romania’s AUR party alleges that party leader George Simion is being controlled by a trio of influential figures: Maricel Păcuraru, Dan Dungaciu and Petrișor Peiu.
Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza, a Member of the European Parliament and original AUR member who later left the party, made the claims during a Saturday appearance on the Prima TV program Insider politic. He was asked about Simion’s future in politics.
“Despite the polls that maintain appearing and present him enjoying a very high level of respect, I believe that George Simion is already on the verge of leaving this game. I believe he is a hostage of several people who are part of the same system. Specifically, Maricel Păcuraru (the owner of Realitatea TV), Dan Dungaciu, and even Petrișor Peiu,” Sturdza stated, according to News.ro. Dungaciu has reportedly taken over the role of first vice president previously held by Marius Lulea, while Peiu now holds the position formerly occupied by Târziu as president of the National Council of the party.
Sturdza further alleged that AUR is deeply in debt to Realitatea TV and its owner, Maricel Păcuraru. “You appear at Constanţa, Mohamed Murad was replaced with Alexandra Păcuraru (the daughter of the owner of Realitatea TV). I don’t want to elaborate too much, but things are clear,” he said. The comments come as political maneuvering within Romanian parties often draws media scrutiny.
Sturdza added that We find individuals within AUR experiencing similar constraints to those he felt before leaving to co-found the Conservative Action party.
In February, Alexandra Beatrice Bertalan-Păcuraru, the daughter of Realitatea Plus owner Maricel Păcuraru, was appointed vice president of AUR for the Dobrogea region. AUR Deputy Mohammad Murad stated at the time that Păcuraru “has been collaborating with us for a long time” and that they were “trying to come up with a more visible approach,” Hotnews.ro reported.
The allegations raise questions about the internal dynamics and financial pressures facing the AUR party as it navigates the Romanian political landscape.
