Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban says the heating pipes being repaired in the square near the city’s Cathedral lead toward the Parliament and Government buildings, arguing that this is why the repair works were initiated.
Ceban visited the site on Wednesday, where tensions had previously arisen between representatives of Termoelectrica, police officers and members of the National Alternative Movement (MAN), including several MPs and representatives of the Chisinau City Hall. Victor Pruteanu, Olga Ursu and Gaik Vartanean were among those present.
“First of all, the residents who could be affected are the Government and Parliament. In other words, the MPs of mummy and daddy and the ministers of mummy and daddy could be affected. Certainly, if there is a damaged section, we are ready to contribute,” Ion Ceban said.
Representatives of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) in the Chisinau Municipal Council responded by accusing the local administration of attempting to divert attention from other problems facing the city.
“This is a tasteless show. Come to work and let’s get to work, rather than doing things we don’t need to do for political PR,” PAS representatives said.
A large number of police officers were deployed to the Cathedral Square on Wednesday, where Termoelectrica says a heating pipeline has been damaged and repair work is necessary.
The Chisinau City Hall maintains that authorization was required for the works, while Termoelectrica representatives say that in the event of an emergency, intervention can take place without prior authorization.
The dispute in the center of the capital has continued for a second consecutive day, following similar incidents on Tuesday.