National Liberal Party (PNL) first vice-president and Bucharest Sector 6 mayor Ciprian Ciucu announced on Monday his candidacy for Bucharest City Hall.

„Know that this was not an easy decision. I reflected a lot and weighed where I could have the greatest positive impact: at Bucharest City Hall or District 6 City Hall? I turned this decision inside out. Now you know – not from me directly, but you know that I will run. I am writing this letter because it is right to explain why I made this decision,” Ciucu wrote on Facebook.

He addressed the residents of Sector 6, who have twice placed their trust in him, stressing that the message is one of continuity, not farewell.

He also said that Sector 6 is „reasonably organised” and now it is time to focus on „all of Bucharest.”

„You, the residents of Sector 6, will be my main allies in the upcoming campaign! I know this! Because you speak from experience with your friends, acquaintances and relatives across Bucharest,” he stated.

Ciucu explained that he is running for Bucharest City Hall because he wants to live in a „well-organised city.”

„Why did I decide to run for Bucharest mayor? Because I also want to live in a well-organised city! It frustrates me to see how other cities in the civilized world look! I want it to look good, make us feel good, be orderly, clean and pleasant! Clean air, no more illnesses! Green spaces! Pleasant scents! I want hot water and heating in winter every day, not just occasionally. I want public services to be predictable. Public transport to arrive on time! Stops to protect from rain and sun! I want no more degraded façades, disorderly businesses and advertising! I want our city to continue developing, but legally, following good urban policies, with mixed-use areas, not future slums. I want our city to stop harming us, breaking our eardrums, causing mental stress, poisoning with exhaust or construction dust!” Ciucu wrote.

He announced he will outline a campaign programme, with the slogan „Well Organised Bucharest.”

„I will immediately start drafting my programme. I always write my own programmes to know exactly what I commit to! It will be concise, as I do not have time for a detailed one. My campaign slogan will be ‘WELL ORGANISED BUCHAREST’! And I will stick to it,” the liberal added.

PNL leader and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan said on Sunday evening that PNL Bucharest had voted Ciprian Ciucu as their candidate for Bucharest City Hall, with two stages remaining to confirm him, likely concluding within a week. Bolojan also emphasised that mayoral elections are about the person, not the party, and expressed confidence in Ciprian Ciucu, praising his experience as Sector 6 mayor and ability to improve Bucharest. AGERPRES