The protesters claim that the Chisinau City Hall has funds to support social programmes, but the mayor deliberately cuts funding intended for children and vulnerable groups of citizens.
“The city’s budget was increased by approximately 4 billion lei from the national budget, as well as another 100 million lei from last year’s figures. If last year funds were allocated for after-school groups, we now have even more possibilities. Over the last 4 years, Mayor Ion Ceban has used financing and loans and today we have to pay the bill, but since he cannot reduce the interest, he cuts the assistance to those segments of the population who are in special need,” said Zinaida Popa, chairwoman of the PAS faction in MSC, according to rupor.md.
The protesters, mostly parents, expressed their demands: “We demand the preservation of after-school groups!”, “Let’s not let children stay home alone!” and “We insist on safety for our children!”
The representatives of the PAS faction demanded the immediate convocation of the Chisinau Municipal Council to approve the municipal budget for 2024. They also announced a new meeting scheduled for 5 January at 10:00 a.m. in the Centre sector pretura.
