'Hidden interests' in Hincesti market scandal

Head of Hincesti district Grigore Cobzac thinks that the market in Hincesti, which belongs to the consumer cooperative “HINCOOP”, was closed intentionally, in order to move all clientele from that market to another one, which was built last year. The head of the district believes that the Mayor of Hincesti is the one interested in “HINCOOP” market’s cessation of activity, reports Info-Prim Neo. Grigore Cobzac stated, at a press conference on Tuesday, June 3, that he has decided to get involved in this conflict, because he cares about the city’s economic competition. There are three markets in Hincesti. The last one was built last year. “All three of these markets should operate. It is very good that a third market has been built, but the competition must be preserved”, mentioned the district head. Grigore Cobzac suspects that the last market was built by the Mayor. According to him, one of the stockholders of the market, who has about 50% of the shares, is a former City Hall driver. Another stockholder is a woman from Ribnita, whose share is managed, through a proxy, by the Mayor’s wife. There is a third stockholder, but he/she has no link to the Mayor. The head of the district says that investments exceeding 20 million lei were made for this market, and it is unclear how a former City Hall driver and a woman from another locality were able to make such investments. The head of the district added that the Mayor took some denigrating actions, in order to prepare the masses for the closure of the “HINCOOP” market. “The campaign lasted a while, and climaxed at the finishing of his own market”, pointed Grigore Cobzac. Livia Tasca, manager of consumer cooperative “HINCOOP”, part of which is the market, stated that the market has been operating since 1962 and is an agricultural market. People sell here their own products. The market works only on Thursdays and Sundays. Its activity was recently ceased through a court ruling, and the administration was forced to eliminate all irregularities found in the market. Livia Tasca admits that there may be irregularities in the Dairy Hall, but the other territory of the market is fit for activity. The manager mentioned that she tried to explain to the sellers that the market’s activity is temporarily suspended, and she put locks on the market’s four entrances, but people came with hammers and other tools, and broke the locks down. Not even private security agents can stop them, said Livia Tasca. The manager added that the citizens gathered 2,000 signatures for the market to reopen. Presently, all irregularities are being removed. The works will be complete in several weeks. After following through all conditions imposed, the market’s administration will file with a higher court to regain the right to activate. Previously, Mayor of Hincesti Alexandru Botnari had stated that the City Hall had been fighting with the market’s irregularities for nine years. Although forced by several of the sector’s Divisions to remove all irregularities and create proper conditions for sellers and buyers, the market refused to comply. A court ruling ordered the closure of the market until all irregularities are removed.