On Tuesday, January 27, the Chisinau Appellate Court repelled mayor Dorin Chirtoaca’s request which sued the Chisinau Council’s decision on appointing Ion Arteni as the Health Direction’s chief. The mayor describes this decision as being groundless, Info-Prim Neo reports. Mihai Moldovanu, who is supported by the mayor for this office, stated after the session: “The court’s decision has proved once again that justice is affiliated to power and obeying the ruling party.” Asked how he would act further, Mihai Moldovanu announced he didn’t renounce his post. “As long as there is an individual work contract, I remain the chief of the Health Direction,” he said. Moldovanu also added he would sue the Appellate Court’s decision in the Supreme Court of Justice. Ion Arteni stated in his turn that they expected the court to take this and not another decision. “I am working at the direction, Mr. Moldovanu does not hold office at present,” Arteni said. Mihai Moldovanu, a member of the Liberal Party (PL), whose deputy president is Dorin Chirtoaca, was appointed in this position on October 19, 2007, through the mayor’s decision. The decision was sued in the court. The Chisinau Appellate Court, and then the Supreme Court of Justice stated that appointing Moldovanu was illegal, as the municipal directions are submitted to the Council. Further, the mayor reconfirmed Moldovanu in the same position invoking the Law regarding the Local Public Administration (LPA), according to which the mayor appoints the directions’ chiefs. In November, 2008, the Council voted for appointing Ion Arteni in this position. Since then, there has been dual power in the Health Direction.