The Action and Solidarity Party faction of the Orhei District Council demands the immediate resignation of the district’s vice president, Mihail Paciu, who is a member of the PSRM, after he was detained, being suspected of kidnapping and assault. The representatives of the party maintain that keeping a dignitary in office who is targeted in a criminal case affects the image of the institution and the citizens’ trust in the local public administration, reports IPN.

“This is not the first episode where his name is associated with controversial situations and public scandals, a fact that further aggravates this situation,” is mentioned in a statement from the territorial organization PAS. In this context, the PAS counselors believe that resignation would represent an act of public responsibility and respect towards the citizens of the district.

The Orhei District Council is composed of 35 councilors, of which 13 are from the PAS, 10 from the “Force of Alternative and Salvation of Moldova” Party, two from the Socialist Party, two from the Party of Development and Consolidation of Moldova, and one each from the Communist Party, the “Will of the People” Party, the “Renaissance” Party and the Political Party of Change. Additionally, there are four independent councilors in the council.

According to law enforcement, the case involving Mihail Paciu was registered on March 31 and concerns alleged acts of kidnapping, assault, and coercion of a person under gun threat. On April 14, Paciu was detained for 72 hours, and investigations continue to establish all circumstances.

On the other hand, the Socialist Party, of which Paciu is a member, has described the arrest as an attempt at political intimidation ahead of the new local elections for the position of mayor of Orhei municipality. The party has called for a transparent and objective examination of the case and has announced that it will monitor the progress of the investigation.