Zastânca villagers contest merger with Cosăuți, seek court reversal

The local council in Soroca district approved the voluntary amalgamation of the village of Zastânca with the commune of Cosăuți, located 17 kilometres away. Residents argue the decision ignores a majority preference to join the nearby municipality of Soroca, which they say would better serve their interests.

Supported by Zastânca mayor Valeriu Covalciuc, the villagers plan to challenge the council's ruling in court, claiming the public consultations were manipulated. Six of the eleven councilors voted for the merger, while the others, including councilor Mihai Corovlean, contend the move threatens the village’s identity and name. The protest highlights local dissatisfaction with the amalgamation process and the desire for a different administrative alignment.