Șerban Dimitrie Sturdza, former founding member of AUR, claims that George Simion is controlled by internal leaders and has debts to Realitatea TV.

MEP Șerban Dimitrie Sturdza, who was a founding member of AUR, stated that George Simion is on the verge of exiting political life, being the "hostage" of some internal influences, such as Maricel Păcuraru, Dan Dungaciu, and Petrișor Peiu. Sturdza, who left the party, emphasized that, despite his popularity in polls, Simion is constrained by these individuals who are part of the same system. He mentioned AUR's large debts to Realitatea TV, and the recent leadership change in the party, including the appointment of Păcuraru's daughter, Alexandra, as vice president for the Dobrogea area. Sturdza suggested that there are internal tensions in AUR, similar to those he experienced before leaving the party.