Grindeanu responds to Ciucu on politicians' wealth, citing bribery charges

Sorin Grindeanu, president of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), has responded to statements made by Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Ciucu regarding the wealth of politicians. Ciucu had previously remarked that despite managing significant budgets, he had not accumulated wealth comparable to other politicians.

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You know, I grew up in the countryside, I grew up in an apartment block. Everything I have is justified. I am not a rich man, but I am not a poor man either.

Grindeanu defended his own financial standing, stating, "You know, I grew up in the countryside, I grew up in an apartment block. Everything I have is justified. I am not a rich man, but I am not a poor man either." He asserted that his assets are transparent, given his long political career involving constant scrutiny. Grindeanu added that his financial declarations are public and he has no issue providing all details, emphasizing his extensive experience in various public roles, including deputy mayor, county council president, prime minister, and minister.

Highlighting a significant difference between himself and Ciucu, Grindeanu pointed to the ongoing bribery investigation against the Bucharest mayor. "There is a big difference between him and me. I have not been accused by the DNA (National Anticorruption Directorate) of taking hundreds of thousands of euros in bribes. At this moment, Mr. Ciucu is a suspect, indicted in a case for taking bribes from real estate developers. The rest is just noise," Grindeanu stated.

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There is a big difference between him and me. I have not been accused by the DNA of taking hundreds of thousands of euros in bribes. At this moment, Mr. Ciucu is a suspect, indicted in a case for taking bribes from real estate developers. The rest is just noise.

Mayor Ciucu, speaking on a podcast, addressed accusations of bribery. He questioned the claims, asking where the alleged bribe money was and if it reflected in his lifestyle. Ciucu maintained that he has not changed his lifestyle since entering politics and continues to live in a modest three-room apartment in Drumul Taberei. He posed a rhetorical question about how many mayors who have managed budgets similar to his would choose to live in such an apartment, implying a contrast with other politicians.

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I am not a rich man. I have not changed my lifestyle. I have been mayor for almost six years. I haven't gone to Monaco with Nordis. (...) How many mayors who had the budgets I had under my supervision, as sector mayor, live in a three-room apartment in Drumul Taberei? How many? General mayor.