Group of Bucharesters gathers signatures for referendum to dismiss Bucharest mayor

A group of Bucharesters has initiated an action aimed at gathering signatures for a referendum to dismiss Bucharest mayor Gabriela Firea, the capital’s six district mayors, and the city councils. The initiative is being organized on a website called Oameniliberi.ro (free people), where those interested can also find the forms for gathering signatures, reports local Hotnews.ro. According to the information posted on Oameniliberi.ro, one of the reasons for which the group of people calls for a referendum is the fact that people have the right to organize a referendum to dismiss the mayor and the city council. “The referendum for dismissing the mayor is organized following a request of the citizens submitted to the prefect, following the fact that the mayor disregarded the local community’s general interests, and that he/she failed to exercise his/her duties under the law, including those which he/she exercises as a state representative,” reads the motives’ presentation on the website. The presentation also recalls the controversial emergency ordinance that aimed to change the criminal law, as well as other ordinances adopted by the Government, as well as the fact that the Bucharest City Hall plans to set up 19 public utility companies, which, according to those who initiated this action, would help the City Hall direct the funds from the Development Ministry without complying with the state budget law. “Now there is no shortage of reasons. In the street, people have clearly said NO to lies, NO to corruption, YES to transparency, YES to integrity, YES to representatives that would serve the citizens not groups of interest.” The Bucharest General Council is to discuss on Tuesday some draft decisions according to which the City Hall would establish 19 companies that would handle various public utility activities that are now delegated to private companies or departments within the City Hall. The municipality wants to control new companies for electricity and heat production and supply, public lighting, hospital management, security, advertising space management, infrastructure projects consultancy, road management, parking management, and even taxi services. Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com