Chișinău mayor Ceban distances himself from Ilie Ilașcu street renaming vote
The renaming of streets in Chișinău “is not the mayor's responsibility.” That was the response of the capital's mayor, Ion Ceban, to public figures and political parties who had proposed naming a street, or potentially Moscova Boulevard, after the late Ilie Ilașcu.
"In the last five or six years, there have been no street renaming in Chișinău. This is the sole competence of the Municipal Council, which has a specialized commission for such matters. It is not directly dependent on the General Mayor's personal preference," Mr. Ceban commented on the evening of November 19, during a broadcast on Jurnal TV.
The mayor noted that such requests have previously resulted in public outcry. He considers consulting the residents of the affected streets to be essential.
"Past initiatives have led to widespread opposition. Residents face administrative hurdles, such as changing identity papers, which directly impact their daily lives. That’s why I believe it is vital to consult the people who live within the perimeter of these streets intended for renaming," he affirmed.
Mayor Ceban also addressed the public reaction following Ilie Ilașcu's death and the criticism over the City Hall's lack of an immediate public statement on Jurnal TV's "Secretele Puterii" show. He stated that recognition should be primarily expressed during a person's life, not solely after their passing.
Asked about the presidential decree declaring November 20, the day Ilașcu will be buried, a national day of mourning, Mr. Ceban stated: "Any decree is not debated; it is executed."
"Public displays or subsequent regrets matter less; what is very important is that the person is appreciated in life. It is crucial to recognise their merits to society and the country," Ion Ceban added, confirming that the City Hall was discussing related steps to be taken.
The Moldovan National Party (PNM) submitted an official request to the Chișinău City Hall and the Municipal Council for the renaming of a segment of Toma Ciorbă Street. The proposed section—located between Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt Boulevard and 31 August 1989 Street—is intended to be named "Ilie Ilașcu Street."
The proposal is highly symbolic because the Embassy of the Russian Federation is situated on this specific segment.
In their submission, PNM argues that Ilie Ilașcu, a former political detainee of the self-proclaimed Transnistrian regime and a participant in the 1992 Nistru War, represents a symbol of resistance and the fight for national identity.
"Ilie Ilașcu is a true national hero, a monument of courage... Chișinău has a moral obligation to honour his name where the message counts the most," said PNM President, Dragoș Galbur.
The party views the initiative as an act of respect for his sacrifice and a gesture to affirm national dignity, particularly as the Republic of Moldova confronts hybrid risks and external pressures.
Separately, several online users have also proposed renaming Moscova Boulevard to "Ilie Ilașcu Boulevard."
Ilie Ilașcu, who defied the death sentence imposed by an unrecognized court on the left bank of the Dniester (Nistru) River, died on November 17 this year, at the age of 73. He will be buried on November 20 at Bellu Cemetery in Bucharest.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
