Comment: How a “dog” and a “plane” could seal Bucharest’s fate for the next four years

This year’s elections for the Bucharest mayor seat, the most visible position in Romania’s local administration, are likely to be the tightest in the last 30 years. Thus, any mistake from either of the leading candidates – incumbent mayor Gabriela Firea and civic activist Nicusor Dan (opening photo) – could cost them the election.

Although the candidate seeking reelection is usually in the defense, it’s challenger Nicusor Dan who is under fire these days. With only a 2% lead in the polls ahead of Gabriela Firea, the independent candidate who is supported by the ruling Liberal Party (PNL) and the USR-PLUS alliance, is at the center of a media scandal due to an audio recording in which he promotes the interests of a Mihai Mitrache, also known as “Dog", who is portrayed by the local media as a shady businessman.