Hospitalization and recovery of Chișinău Mayor Ion Ceban

Chișinău Mayor Ion Ceban was hospitalized following an injury sustained during a family vacation. Ceban described the event as an “unpleasant incident” that necessitated an emergency return to Moldova for upcoming leg surgery.

In response to the incident, Ceban denied allegations regarding the circumstances of his injury, stating he did not attend parties as some reports suggested. He also addressed criticisms from civic activists regarding the funding of his trip to Cape Verde, noting that his family stayed in a rented apartment rather than a hotel to reduce costs. Ceban released further statements to prevent “speculations and interpretations, photos taken in secret and sensationalist headlines” from the media. He criticized certain press outlets for a lack of empathy and for calling for his resignation, while observers suggested the media pressure might be a political effort to undermine his administrative capacity.

Following the accident, Ceban announced he would manage much of his work online for the next three months due to his inability to walk. However, he expressed intentions to use a wheelchair to inspect municipal construction sites, noting this would allow him to view urban accessibility from the perspective of people with reduced mobility.

Additionally, Ceban has called on the central government to implement permanent traffic management measures to address congestion, particularly with the start of the new school year. He criticized the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), accusing them of prioritizing political interests over the infrastructure and mobility needs of capital residents.