Chisinau mayor sues PAS councilor over corruption allegations
Ion Melnic, a councilor representing the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) in the Chisinau City Council, announced that Mayor Ion Ceban has initiated legal proceedings against him.
Melnic characterizes the lawsuit as an attempt to intimidate him following his public disclosures regarding alleged administrative violations.
During a press conference held on Monday, December 22, Melnic revealed that he is targeted in two separate cases. The first court hearing is scheduled for February 11 at the Chisinau Court.
Allegations of Misappropriated Public Funds
The dispute follows Melnic’s accusations that the Mayor used the municipal newspaper, Chișinău, to promote his political interests. Melnic alleges the publication used colors associated with the "Alternativa" Bloc to run a veiled campaign for Ceban’s party, the National Alternative Movement (MAN).
"This newspaper was printed using funds belonging to Chisinau taxpayers—money specifically earmarked for anti-corruption efforts," Melnic stated.
According to the councilor, out of 15 million MDL allocated for anti-corruption initiatives, Ceban allegedly diverted 5 million MDL to fund political campaigning. Melnic claims these funds supported high-profile figures like Tkaciuk, Stoianoglo, and Chicu in regional areas such as Drochia and Dondușeni, rather than being invested in the capital.
Infrastructure Discrepancies and "Political Reprisals"
In a second instance, the PAS councilor challenged the Mayor’s public reports regarding infrastructure projects. Melnic claims that after verifying sites on Mircea cel Bătrân Boulevard, Mesager Street, and Industrială Street, he found that the touted works were not actually in progress.
"Ceban does not like that I am exposing this theft. I am speaking out about the chaos within the Chisinau City Hall and the lies he presents as great achievements," Melnic declared.
Melnic described the lawsuits as a "coordinated attempt to silence PAS councilors." He insisted that these legal actions are part of a broader campaign of political pressure and reprisals intended to stifle dissent within the City Council.
Lack of Transparency in New Publications
The councilor also presented a new publication recently released to promote investment projects in the suburbs. Melnic noted that the document lacks transparency, as it fails to disclose its funding sources or the total number of copies printed.
In his closing remarks, Melnic urged other residents who feel misled or intimidated by the current administration to align with the PAS faction. As of the time of reporting, Mayor Ion Ceban has not issued a formal comment regarding the councilor's statements.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
