Ion Ceban responds after losing lawsuit in Romania
Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban lost his first-instance lawsuit against Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu. In the lawsuit, he sought 1 leu in damages after being accused of having "complicated ties with Russia." Additionally, he was banned from entering Romania and the entire Schengen area for five years.
Ceban responded on social media after noting the decision made in Romania in the first instance. He asserts that any statements made against him to damage his reputation are unfounded, and he warns that "immunity will not last for life."
The mayor emphasized that he will continue to pursue legal action both in Romania and in international courts. He contends that the ban imposed on him is strictly political and intends to undermine his image and discredit his political activities.
Ion Ceban denies any ties to the Russian Federation, stating that his relationship with Romania remains positive and is based on mutual projects.
Ceban wrote on Facebook, "The goal of those in the government at home, along with some allies in the Romanian government, was to tarnish my image and prevent me from meeting with our citizens in the diaspora. This includes the meetings and gatherings I participate in, where I speak the truth about the dictatorship at home and the capture of institutions."
In the fall of 2025, the mayor of Chisinau, Ion Ceban, filed a lawsuit against Romanian Foreign Minister Oana Țoiu at the Bucharest Court. He sought moral damages of 1 leu and requested an end to all acts of defamation against him. This legal action followed a decision to ban Ceban from entering Romania and the entire Schengen Area for five years.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest stated at the time, "For reasons related to national security considerations, Romania has ordered the measure of not allowing entry into the national territory for Mr. Ion Ceban and two other citizens of the Republic of Moldova. The decision is the responsibility of the competent institutions in Romania, in accordance with the regulations in force on the matter."
In an interview on July 17, 2025, Oana Țoiu explained that "there have long been documented complicated ties between Ceban and representatives of the Russian Federation." She emphasized the importance of limiting such influences on Romanian territory, noting, "For Romania, it is extremely important that this type of influence is limited, especially since we have a significant number of citizens who are both Romanian citizens and citizens of the Republic of Moldova. It is a decision that was taken for reasons related to national security."
In response, Ion Ceban accused Oana Țoiu of slander, claiming her statements led to "a veritable media lynching" against him.
