Romanian commune cuts public lights due to budget woes, residents fear bears

Residents of Vintilă Vodă commune in Buzău County, Romania, are facing darkness after the local administration suspended public lighting on August 5 due to financial struggles. The decision, announced by Mayor Ion Coman on Facebook, aims to reduce expenses and ensure the functioning of essential public services.

However, the move has sparked fear among locals, particularly due to recent alerts about bears appearing near homes and on local roads. "How can you make this decision about public lighting at night when bears come into people's homes, both day and night?" one resident questioned, expressing concern over the consequences.

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Cum puteți să luați această decizie privind iluminatul public pe timpul nopții, când urșii vin peste oameni în gospodării, atât ziua, cât și noaptea? Chiar nu vă gândiți la consecințe?

Some villagers have criticized the mayor, accusing him of blindly following national calls for energy saving without considering the specific local context. They worry about potential increases in theft and other disturbances due to the lack of lighting, and question who will be held responsible. The mayor assured residents that public lighting would be restored as soon as financial resources allow.

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Să vă fie rușine! Ați ajuns slugile lui Bolojan. V-a votat Bolojan sau cetățenii comunei Vintilă Vodă?