Romanian mayor Ciprian Ciucu resigns from PNL Bucharest amid DNA corruption probe

Ciprian Ciucu stepped down as head of the National Liberal Party (PNL) in Bucharest after prosecutors opened a DNA investigation accusing him of taking bribes in exchange for granting construction permits during the 2025 mayoral campaign. A court rejected his request to lift the judicial control, and he remains subject to oversight. Ciucu announced he will not run for the party’s vice‑presidency, urging PNL to adopt an "irreproachable conduct" to regain public trust.

Separately, Ciucu detailed plans for two new road zones (PUZs) – Radial 9 and Radial 10 – intended to move traffic from central Bucharest to the periphery and connect the city directly to the A0 motorway. The contracts are slated for completion early next year, with construction set to begin in 2028. He denied any wrongdoing, claiming his name was misused in the alleged scheme and pledging to cooperate fully with investigators while continuing his municipal duties.