Her decision comes after being criticized on social media by USR members and Internet users for voting "YES" in the 2018 Family Referendum. "I am a Christian, I am an Orthodox and I believe that the family is made up of a woman and a man", Lasconi said on Prima TV.

"After my statement, where I was sincere and said that, from my point of view, marriage is between a man and a woman, all social networks have flared up. I'm sorry. I have never had anything against relationships between people of the same sex. I don't oppose a legal partnership that grants equal rights. The only aspect that concerns me personally is the term 'marriage'", she expressed on Facebook.

She mentions having friends who are gay, expressing admiration and support for them. However, she emphasizes her belief "in human rights and European values, similar to the principles upheld by the team I belong to. However, nuances differentiate us".

"With that said, I don't hold onto positions and lists. I passionately work for the country I love, for the people of Câmpulung, for the Romania we all envision. If my dedication and convictions fall short, if sincerity, tolerance and love prove insufficient, and if a single word causes such distress, my withdrawal from the list of candidates for the European Parliament elections will be determined through the vote of my colleagues in the USR National Bureau. That's it. I will continue my job as mayor", stated Elena Lasconi on Facebook.

Elena Lasconi's daughter, Oana, expressed a vehement reaction on Instagram following her mother's declaration of voting "YES" in the Coalition for Family referendum supporting the traditional family. The young woman declared her disgust and announced that such "vile discrimination" has no place in her family, leading her to withdraw her support for her mother in any regard.

"I am here to talk about my mother, Elena Lasconi, USR candidate for the European Parliament. (...) I am in shock and absolutely disgusted to find out that my mother voted YES in the Coalition for Family referendum to support the so-called traditional family. I can't describe the pain I feel not only as her daughter. (...) I can't believe that the person I supported in her political career turned out to be a homophobe. I would never have expected that. (...) It hurts my soul. I don't support such a person for the European Parliament or presidential elections, although I know she is the favorite of many. (...) I suffer a lot and can't believe it. I believe that if you are a Christian and believe in the law of love +, you should fight for equal rights so that every person can choose their path and form a happy and peaceful life", said Elena Lasconi's daughter.

Cătălin Drulă, the president of the USR, said he had a discussion with Elena Lasconi and asked her to withdraw from the European Parliament campaign.

"I've chosen to call the USR National Bureau for a meeting tonight to officially finalize this decision. I am confident that Elena comprehends that the extensive public discourse over the last 24 hours, coupled with the publicly disclosed personal situation, impacts the campaign and the USR's concentration on the battle against the PSD-PNL monster. Elena will persist in serving the people of Câmpulung and will receive support to excel in her administration", he stated on Facebook.