Bucharest Mayor Ciucu Denies Corruption Allegations, Says Investigation Hit Him Hard

Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Ciucu expressed confidence regarding a corruption case in which he is being investigated by the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA). Ciucu, currently under judicial control, asserted that he has never conditioned any permits and has not received any money from the individuals involved.

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I did not condition any permit.

He stated that the administrative acts cited by prosecutors were issued after his departure from the Sector 6 Mayor's Office. "I did not issue it myself," Ciucu said, referring to a specific document mentioned by investigators. He also claimed not to appear in any intercepted conversations related to the case.

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It hit me quite hard.

Despite his claims of innocence and being "calm," Ciucu admitted the investigation has taken a personal toll. "It hit me quite hard," he said, noting that his political career was built on an anti-corruption platform. He anticipates the case will proceed to trial.

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I am calm.

The mayor is accused of receiving advertising and electoral consulting services from two real estate investors in exchange for fulfilling service duties related to a real estate project. Earlier this month, Ciucu was granted permission by a court to travel abroad for a vacation, after successfully challenging a DNA restriction on his international travel.

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I think it will go to trial.