Senator Romário has officially left the Liberal Party (PL) after a five-year affiliation, submitting his disaffiliation request on Friday, February 14, according to reports from O Globo’s Lauro Jardim and aggregated coverage from ND Mais and Brasil 247. The departure stems from the lawmaker’s decision to publicly back Eduardo Paes (PSD) for the Rio de Janeiro state government, putting him at odds with his former party’s backing of Douglas Ruas, the current president of the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro (Alerj).
Romário Exits PL After Five Years Following Clashes Over Rio Governor Race
Senator Romário formalised his exit from the Liberal Party on Saturday, February 15, wrapping up a five-year stint with the political organization. According to Brasil 247, the paperwork was filed with PL president Valdemar Costa Neto on Friday, February 14. The split follows repeated political friction between the senator and the party leadership, particularly regarding upcoming gubernatorial races in Rio de Janeiro.
While Romário has chosen to support Eduardo Paes of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the PL has lined up behind Douglas Ruas, who currently heads the Alerj. This exact electoral divergence mirrors previous tensions. During the 2024 municipal elections, Romário backed Paes for Mayor of Rio de Janeiro instead of Alexandre Ramagem, the candidate officially endorsed by the PL and former president Jair Bolsonaro, as detailed in reports from the primary sources.
Did you know? Before joining the Liberal Party, Senator Romário held memberships in several other Brazilian political organizations, including the PP, PSB, and Podemos, according to official background records.
No Personal Animosity Cited in Departure Statement
In a formal statement released to the press, Romário emphasized that his exit involved no personal falling out. As reported by ND Mais and Brasil 247, the lawmaker characterized the decision as a calm, long-considered step aimed at reshaping his political trajectory.
“Tenho respeito pelo PL e pelas pessoas com quem caminhei nos últimos anos,” Romário stated in his official note, translated here directly from the verified source. “Foi uma decisão pensada, tomada com tranquilidade e sem qualquer questão pessoal. Entendi que este é o momento de encerrar esse ciclo e seguir um novo caminho político. Saio sem briga, sem ressentimento e com respeito por todos.”
Interlocutores cited by Brasil 247 noted that Romário traveled to Brasília on Thursday, February 13, to meet with party president Valdemar Costa Neto. During that meeting, the senator discussed his backing of Eduardo Paes, though the formal request for party disaffiliation materialized shortly afterward.
Prioritizing Rio de Janeiro Over Party Lines
Explaining his rationale for endorsing Eduardo Paes, Romário stressed that local state needs outweighed strict party loyalty. According to the source texts, the senator believes Paes possesses the best current strategy to address long-standing administrative challenges in the state.
“Tenho minhas posições, o Eduardo tem as dele e não precisamos concordar em tudo,” Romário explained in the statement. “O que pesa para mim é o Rio. Acredito que ele reúne hoje as melhores condições para governar o estado, construir soluções e enfrentar problemas que se arrastam há anos e que até hoje nenhum governador conseguiu resolver. Minha escolha está feita e vou apoiá-lo publicamente.”
Despite dropping his affiliation with the PL, Romário confirmed that his immediate institutional focus remains centered on his ongoing legislative duties and representing the state of Rio de Janeiro in the Federal Senate, as highlighted by ND Mais.
Unclear Future Party Affiliation
As of the announcement, Romário has not named a destination party. According to reports from Brasil 247 citing close associates, no active negotiations or formal talks with alternative political legends are underway at this time.
The parting underscores a broader history of strained ties with the party of Jair Bolsonaro. The relationship began showing friction back in 2022 during Romário’s Senate reelection bid, when initial support from the then-president shifted toward Daniel Silveira, running under the PTB banner. That early split set the stage for subsequent divergences, culminating in the senator’s 2024 municipal endorsement of Paes and his ultimate departure from the PL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Senator Romário leave the Liberal Party (PL)?
According to official statements reported by ND Mais and Brasil 247, Romário left the PL due to his decision to support Eduardo Paes (PSD) for the Rio de Janeiro government instead of the candidate fielded by his former party, Douglas Ruas.
When did Romário submit his disaffiliation request?
Romário formally requested his disaffiliation from the PL on Friday, February 14, with the public announcement following on Saturday, February 15.
Has Romário announced a new political party?
No. According to sources close to the senator referenced by Brasil 247, Romário has not yet entered into discussions regarding membership with any other political party.
What was the nature of his departure from the PL?
Romário stated that he left the party without personal animosity or bitter disputes, describing the move as the peaceful conclusion of a political cycle.
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