Environment Minister about mandate priorities and response to mayor: Chișinău residents need solutions, not political circus

Environment Minister Gheorghe Hajder today provided clarifications on the priorities of the institution he leads, while also responding to speculation about a possible mayoral candidacy in the capital and to criticism from mayor Ion Ceban. In a discussion with the press after today’s Government meeting, the official stressed that his focus remains on structural reforms in the environmental sector, particularly on protecting the Dniester River and combating illegal logging.

Asked about a possible candidacy for the position of mayor of Chișinău, Gheorghe Hajder avoided a direct answer, emphasizing his current responsibilities.

“In these moments I believe it is important to focus on the Dniester, to make sure that the water there is safe for consumption. It is good to continue the forestry reform in order to reduce the impact of illegal logging, as well as many other priorities launched within the Ministry,” he said.

However, the minister outlined the profile of the kind of candidate the capital needs, issuing a veiled criticism of the current administration.

“Chișinău residents need a strong, responsible candidate who can offer solutions to the real problems – traffic jams, new roads, public transport – and not a mayor who turns every topic into political circus,” the minister stressed.

Regarding the decision of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), Hajder noted that the party has several honest and effective candidates, and that the party leadership will announce an official decision at the appropriate time.

Response to Ion Ceban: “Crude lies and political show”

The Environment Minister rejected Mayor Ion Ceban’s accusations concerning the authorization of an alleged recycling center in Sîngera, describing them as a “political show.” Hajder recalled similar situations in the past, such as those in Stăuceni or Trușeni, where the fears raised by the mayor were not confirmed or were poorly managed by the municipality.

“When there is an initiative from an economic operator who is trying to offer a solution to sensitive problems, we must find ways to encourage it, of course by verifying full compliance with all standards. We must not kill good ideas right from the start,” the minister explained.

Hajder accused Ion Ceban of spreading disinformation in Sîngera case: “There has been some fairly crude lying. The mayor of Sîngera and Mr. Ceban knew very well the land’s designated use from the moment of purchase. It is a lie to claim you didn’t know, when the only reason is that things no longer work out for you politically.”