Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Ciucu Faces DNA Corruption Probe While Plotting Second Term

Ciprian Ciucu, the mayor of Bucharest, is under investigation by Romania's National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) on suspicion of taking bribes related to illegal urban‑planning documents. Prosecutors allege he issued unauthorized certificates in exchange for advertising and electoral consulting services funded by business figures, with the benefits allegedly used in his campaign. Ciucu denies the accusations, claiming he is innocent and that others may have misused his name.

Despite the probe, Ciucu says he cannot be dismissed except through a local referendum and has two years left in his current term. He is already preparing a strategy for a possible second mandate, emphasizing the need for votes on PUZs (urban development zones), large regeneration projects, and a stable majority in the General Council. He plans to form electoral alliances and secure a council majority composed of competent, honest members to support his agenda.