The article forms part of IPN’s information campaign that presents biographical data, information about the incomes and property and professional experience of candidates for mayor general of the municipality of Chisinau.

Ruslan Popa is contending for the mayoralty of Chisinau on behalf of the New Historical Option Party that is led by Svetlana Chesari.

He was born on July 19, 1978 in Criuleni town. He is married and has three children.

The candidate has incomplete higher education. During over 15 years, he worked as the director general of a number of international companies, including Qiwi, All.biz, RBKMoney, Rompay etc.

Ruslan Popa said that he has rich experience in management, human resources, finances, negotiations, etc. He considers himself an expert in number psychology and astrology. “Driving is my hobby and passion and I therefore transport people as a taxi driver. It’s good for the people and it’s a pleasure for me,” stated Ruslan Popa.

Ruslan Popa led the Communist Reformist Party founded in 2014. The party had the same abbreviation and symbol as the Party of Communists. In the parliamentary elections of November 2014, it competed with the slogan: “Against all those who had been in power!”. It gained 4.92% of the vote and didn’t pass the election threshold. In 2016, the party was struck off the register of political parties.

In his property and personal interests statement, Ruslan Popa indicates only that he works as a taxi driver for a private company. He declared “zero” incomes and property.

In his presentation, the candidate said that the problem of traffic jams can be solved during 24 hours. Taxes should be introduced for car parking on the central streets of Chisinau, as in other large cities. “Instead of paying 500-600 lei a day, for example, if one travels by personal car downtown, one can pay 100-150 lei for taxi rides to and from or the fare for trolleybus, bus, minibus trips. Congestion will be this way avoided and we will have more pay parking lots where to leave the car for half an hour or an hour. The revenue from parking will be used to repair the roads,” stated Ruslan Popa.

As it was decided by draw, Ruslan Popa of the New Historical Option Party will be next to No. 23 on the ballot.