Moldova's Action and Solidarity Party responds to accusations made by Chisinau general mayor

The Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) responds firmly to the recent statements made by the mayor of Chisinau, Ion Ceban, after he was banned from entering Romania and the Schengen area. Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun, who is also PAS deputy president has said that ‘’actions have consequences,’’ accusing Ceban of collaborating with the Kremlin and undermining Moldova's European path.

‘’For years, you have taken money from Russians and oligarchs, along with Dodon, to undermine Moldova's European path. You protest in Brussels against the Association Agreement. You support the illegal and unconstitutional referendum in Gagauzia in 2014 (while Russia invades Ukraine for the first time). You remain silent in the face of Russia's repeated invasion of Ukraine,’’ Dan Perciun said, referring to Ion Ceban, but without naming him.

The minister also recalled Ion Ceban's presence in Moscow on the first day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and his connections with Russian intelligence service agents, like Yurii Gudilin and Olga Grak. He also accused the mayor of allying with figures known for their anti-European stance: Mark Tkaciuk, Alexandr Stoianoglo, Igor Dodon, Chicu and Ilan Shor.

‘’And then you wonder why a visit to Brussels or Bucharest and two or three ambiguous statements convince no one that you truly want European integration,’’  Perciun noted.

Perciun emphasized that the governing party was not the problem, but rather Ion Ceban's actions, his past, and ‘’documented connections with the Russian services,’’ adding that these have visible consequences:

‘’And no, not everyone is stupid. Neither in Chisinau. Nor in Brussels.’’

Romania has issued an entry ban for Ion Ceban and two other Moldovan citizens. The announcement was made by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The information was confirmed for the Romanian media by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, Oana Toiu. Mayor Ion Ceban described these actions as political retribution on behalf of PAS and Maia Sandu.