PRESS RELEASE

The mayor of Calugar commune, Falesti district, Valentina Salamai, elected for three consecutive terms representing Our Party, has become a victim of the current government. The authorities are retaliating against her refusal to run on behalf of PAS in the last general local elections by terminating her mandate as mayor and scheduling new local elections for May 18.

Our Party condemns this abuse by the PAS government! The legal team will challenge in court the decision of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) regarding the scheduling of the new elections. They will also seek a review of the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) decision, which was issued in violation of procedure and formed the basis for the CEC’s resolution. Our Party will take all legal actions necessary to defend Valentina Salamai’s position, which was supported by over 80% of voters in the first round of the last local elections.

The Supreme Court of Justice overturned the decision of the Chisinau Court of Appeal, which had ruled in favor of Valentina Salamai against the National Integrity Agency (ANI). ANI requested a three-year ban on holding public office, citing that in 2018, Valentina Salamai employed her son as a stoker at the town hall for six months, with a salary of less than 2,000 lei per month.

Whether intentionally or through negligence, the SCJ sent its December 20, 2024 decision to the wrong address, preventing both Valentina Salamai and her lawyer from learning about it. The mayor of Calugar commune and Our Party only became aware of the termination of her mandate after the CEC resolution was approved on January 14, 2025.

It is well known that many mayors from other parties who joined PAS have escaped legal consequences, despite ANI findings of unjustified wealth or conflicts of interest in public contracts, tenders, and more. Thus, it is evident that PAS is retaliating against a mayor from Our Party who enjoys strong local support and is recognized nationwide as one of the most effective local leaders.

The residents of Calugar commune have also been punished by the PAS government through the recent halt of funding for the second phase of the water supply system construction. Valentina Salamai was repeatedly warned by government representatives, including a ruling party deputy, about the consequences of her refusal to join PAS. In this context, the president of Our Party, Renato Usatîi, calls on all local officials to reject PAS offers and expose the government’s blackmail. Mayors are encouraged to turn to Our Party to form a united front in defending citizens’ right to freely choose their local leadership for villages, communes, towns, and cities across the country.

Valentina Salamai has been the mayor of Calugar commune since 2015, during which time the four villages within the commune — Calugar, Frumusica, Socii Noi, and Socii Vechi — have experienced modernization in every aspect. The two kindergartens in the commune have been renovated, as well as the cultural center and town hall building. Roads have been repaired, and street lighting has been installed in almost the entire commune. Libraries have been refurbished, paving has been laid near the gymnasium and cultural center, playgrounds for children and recreational areas have been developed, and the construction of the water supply system has commenced.