Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Ciucu remains under judicial control after resigning from PNL leadership

Ciprian Ciucu, the mayor of Romania's capital Bucharest, stepped down on 26 June 2026 from his role as president of the National Liberal Party (PNL) in Bucharest after the National Anti‑Corruption Directorate (DNA) opened a bribery probe. The investigation alleges that, while serving as mayor of Sector 6, Ciucu received electoral‑advertising services from Jordanian businessmen in exchange for issuing construction permits for a real‑estate project.

The tribunal rejected Ciucu’s challenge to the 60‑day judicial control imposed on 18 June, keeping him under supervision while he continues to serve as Bucharest’s mayor. In a public statement he denied any wrongdoing, saying, "I will keep my head up and will not avoid public meetings," and pledged to work "as if nothing has happened" for the city.

The case also involves journalist Denise Rifai, former ONJN chief Odeta Nestor and the Jordanian investors, all placed under the same judicial control.