Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban has claimed that Moldova is witnessing what he described as “raider attacks” targeting private companies, including FlyOne and Rompetrol. In a video statement, he accused the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) of using state institutions to benefit individuals affiliated with the party.
“Today, in a country that is a candidate for European Union membership, we are seeing the raider practices of the 1990s. The difference is that they are now legalized and carried out through those in power, using serious abuses to take businesses away from some owners and make room for people connected to PAS,” Ceban said, according to ZIUA.MD.
The mayor claimed there were indications of pressure being exerted on companies such as FlyOne and Rompetrol.
“I personally have many questions regarding FlyOne, and I know many others do as well. But the way a business is being destroyed in order to be taken over through gangster-style methods is not something expected from a country seeking EU membership,” Ceban said.
Speaking about Rompetrol, he alleged that the company had become the target of inspections following political decisions.
“Today another company is being targeted. Rompetrol, with its 10 filling stations, is allegedly being used as a political punching bag. Supposedly, something did not please a PAS leader, so inspections were directed at the company, and so on,” he claimed.
According to Ceban, such actions send a negative signal to investors.
“These kinds of signals are interpreted very negatively, both domestically and internationally, by people who want to invest in this country. It has never been worse than it is now. And no one is held accountable. Salaries, raider attacks on businesses, a poor economic situation, the worst social conditions, and all of it in the name of a supposedly greater objective,” he added.
PAS has not yet responded to the allegations. According to Realitatea.md, the ruling party was asked for comment but had not provided a response at the time of publication.