Mayor of Orhei Steps Down Citing Threats of Arrest Against Her and Her Colleagues

In a video address to residents, Mayor of Orhei Tatiana Cociu announced her resignation, accusing the central government of “systematically blocking” local projects and “persecuting” her team. According to the mayor, the pressure made it impossible for her to continue as the head of the mayor’s office, libertv.md reports. Cociu listed the projects implemented during this period: from repairing streets, courtyards, and kindergartens to modernizing street lighting, reconstructing the stadium, expanding parking lots, ensuring support for pensioners with monthly payments, free public transport, and the operation of the OrheiLand park. In the same address, the mayor stated that the central authorities “interfered with every project,” took credit for the work of the mayor’s office, and exerted pressure on officials and residents of the city. Cociu accused the current government of “stealing the presidential and parliamentary elections” and blocking funds intended for social projects and municipal investments. Tatiana Cociu’s statement came shortly after a video address by fugitive politician Ilan Sor, who announced that he was “shutting down social projects” in the Republic of Moldova.