“The election campaign has begun, and the goal of those in PAS is Chisinau City Hall, at any cost. They have announced this themselves,” Ion Ceban stated.

According to the mayor, decisions and actions targeting the municipal administration have become increasingly frequent in recent months. He claims that various state institutions and law enforcement agencies are being used to exert political pressure on City Hall and its leadership. Ceban also referred to vetting and pre-vetting procedures as among the instruments allegedly being used for this purpose.

The mayor further claimed that PAS had sought from the outset to change the balance of power within Chisinau City Hall, allegedly with the support of certain individuals inside the institution. According to Ceban, the ultimate objective is to remove him from office unlawfully and replace him with someone under the governing party’s control.

“PAS has not abandoned this unlawful objective. Holding state power and having control over the justice system, they are making decisions that I consider abusive and illegal. I condemn these actions,” Ceban said.

The mayor also addressed the issue of appointing and dismissing deputy mayors, arguing that these decisions fall exclusively within the authority of the General Mayor. He stressed that deputy mayors are not directly elected by citizens but are political associates and trusted members of the mayor’s team.

To illustrate his point, Ceban compared the situation to a hypothetical attempt by former Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spînu to return to office and serve in the current government.

“If PAS wants to appoint them to positions, they can do so in their own government, Parliament or Presidency,” the mayor stated.

Concluding his remarks, Ion Ceban said that despite the political disputes and public confrontations, the municipal administration would continue its work.

“Together with all their supporters, they will stage more political shows, while we will continue working for the people,” the General Mayor of Chisinau concluded.