Chisinau trolleybus drivers postpone protests

After protesting in front of the Chisinau City Hall building early this morning with no official coming out to talk to them, the employees of the Electric Transport Company entered the building to demand that the acting mayor convoke the councilors for an extraordinary meeting. They discussed with Nistor Grozavu for an hour and then dispersed with the intention of returning on Tuesday, July 21, when the Municipal Council is to hold its ordinary meeting, Info-Prim Neo reports. “You should check how the money collected daily is spent. Over 200,000 lei is collected from passengers every day by the three urban trolleybus companies,” said trolleybus driver Galina Harea. The protesters demand that the director of the Electric Transport Company Gheorghe Morgoci be dismissed as they blame him for the difficult financial situation of the enterprise. Trade union leader Ion Caterov said that the company is close to bankruptcy due to Morgoci’s incompetence and lack of responsibility. “The company earns money, but this money is not managed correctly. It is simply laundered,” he said. “Not Mr. Morgoci is to blame for the financial crisis. The municipal authorities make considerable effort to fully finance the public transport. The education, health, social assistance and many other divisions received at the most 80% of the financing,” the acting mayor said. “I inform you that the General Finance Division is now carrying out an audit. If the rumors about appropriation of money come true, we will take the necessary measures.” Gheorghe Morgoci says the Chisinau Municipal Council is responsible for this situation as it refuses to increase fares in the urban public transport and does not finance the company according to its necessities. After discussions, the protesters agreed to return on Tuesday, when the municipal councilors will come together for a meeting.