Romanian Social Democrat Senator Quits Party, Joins Independent Lawmakers

Diaconescu confirmed he quit the party but declined to make any further comments. „Yes, I have resigned, but I do not wish to comment further,” he told newspaper Evenimentul Zilei.

Diaconescu ran for party president last week but backed out before the vote, saying he would support Mircea Geoana for reelection. Geoana lost the party’s headship to Victor Ponta.

Diaconescu is the fourth social democrat lawmaker that has left the party following Ponta’s election as party president.

Diaconescu said Tuesday on TV station Antena 2 he could leave the party depending on the outcome of an investigation to see who and why had him followed.

Journalist Floriana Jucan said Saturday, when the party was electing new leaders, she received reports and photos showing Diaconescu has been followed and monitored.

Diaconescu said whoever had him followed and monitored has done so illegally and he submitted a complaint with the General Prosecutors’ Office.