Political

Chisinau Budget Battle: 2024 Approval Stalled

Chisinau City Council is embroiled in a battle over the approval of the 2024 budget.

Despite being two months into the new year, the budget remains shrouded in secrecy, sparking outrage from council members.

"We still don't have a budget," fumes Victor Chironda, a council member from the DA Platform. "It hasn't been presented online, made public, or even submitted to the council for review. This delay is unacceptable, regardless of their excuses about receiving the state budget late."

Other council members, particularly those from the National Alternative Movement (MAN), downplay the concerns, insisting everything is proceeding according to protocol. "We've only just had our third council meeting," says Grigore Bejenaru, a MAN councillor. "The process follows a set procedure, and public consultations will be held before the final vote. There's no unnecessary delay here."

However, Deputy Mayor Olga Ursu acknowledges the frustration and assures that the draft budget will be presented to the council "within a few weeks" after final discussions with relevant entities. This timeline has some council members sceptical, particularly those from the PAS party. Zinaida Popa, a PAS councillor, has even notified law enforcement about potential irregularities in the budget approval process. The National Anticorruption Center (CNA) has confirmed they are investigating the matter.

The use of a provisional budget in February, which bypassed public consultations, further stoked the flames of controversy. Dumitru Ivanov, another PAS councillor, has requested the CNA to probe the approval process for this temporary budget as well.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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