Energy expert and civic activist Sergiu Tofilat has officially announced his candidacy for the mayoralty of Chisinau. In a news conference at IPN, Sergiu Tofilat said he decided to run as an independent because a politically unaffiliated candidate has more chances of successfully solving the problems of the citizens of Chisinau.
According to Sergiu Tofilat, he discussed his intention to run in the elections with the opposition parties last year first. He said then that Andrei Nastase is not his opponent. The residents of Chisinau have the right to choose who they want to see as mayor. But he will do his best to prevent two candidates controlled by the Democratic leader Vlad Plahotniuc from reaching the runoffs. Among these candidates are: Silvia Radu (acting mayor who hasn’t yet declared her candidacy, e.n.), Ion Ceban (of the Party of Socialists), Reghina Apostolova (of the Shor Party) and Valeriu Munteanu (of the Liberal Party).
Sergiu Tofilat noted that Chisinau needs not a savior, but a good manager. He is aware that not much can be done during a year that remained until the ordinary local elections, but this year’s exercise will help build a powerful team of councilors after the elections of 2019. If he is elected mayor, he will defend the interests of the citizens, will investigate the corruption schemes at the City Hall, will efficiently manage the municipal resources and property, will lay emphasis on the creation of decent conditions for raising children in the city and on the rise in budget-funded employees’ incomes, etc.
Energy expert Victor Parlicov, who supports Sergiu Tofilat, said this has the necessary managerial skills, has capacities and good intentions. He struggles for human rights, takes risks and does what he plans till the end. He has resistance to cope with temptations that come together with public posts so that he can be mayor for the inhabitants of Chisinau.
Activist Valeriu Pasa characterized Sergiu Tofilat as a person who has the spirit of justice and is ready to defend those who are wronged.
An independent candidate for mayor general of Chisinau municipality must present at least 10,000 signatures in his favor put by persons eligible to vote from Chisinau until April 19. After the signatures are checked and validated, the applicant is put on the list of candidates.
