Proposal in Bucharest Council to change Russian Embassy street name to Alexei Navalny Street

The Bucharest branch of the USR party said it would propose to the capital's General Council a resolution that would change the name of Tuberozelor Street in District 1, which houses the consular section of the Russian Embassy, to Alexei Navalny Street.

"Renaming the street where the Russian consulate is located to 'Alexei Navalny Street' is not just a symbolic gesture. It is a clear message that we support the fight for freedom, justice, and democracy. It is an expression of our solidarity with all those who, like Alexei Navalny, risk their freedom and even their lives to defend their country against corruption and authoritarianism. Through this act, we honor Navalny's courage and sacrifice and affirm our commitment to the values that underpin a fairer world for all," said the president of USR Bucharest, Vlad Voiculescu, cited by Digi24.

According to the party, this initiative represents an important step in support of democratic values and human rights, reaffirming solidarity with those fighting for freedom and justice worldwide. Citizens who support this project can sign the petition online here.

The USR mayor of Bucharest's District 1, Clotilde Armand, also supports the initiative.

Initially, a project submitted in April 2022 by Daniel Rigu and Florin Covaci, USR general councilors, requested the renaming of Tuberozelor Street to Free Ukraine, but the proposal was changed to reflect support for the fight for civil rights and democracy, by renaming the street in memory of Alexei Navalny.

The adoption of the resolution requires a majority vote in the General Council of Bucharest Municipality and the approval of the Prefect.

Similar symbolic gestures have taken place since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius, changed the street where the Russian embassy is located to “Ukrainian Heroes’ Street,” according to The Guardian.

Romanian president Klaus Iohannis also marked Navalny’s death in a message on social media. "I am deeply saddened by the news that Alexei Navalny has died. Our thoughts of compassion go out to his family and friends. Today, the international community has lost a brave fighter for freedom and rights. We call on Russia to conduct a transparent and comprehensive investigation," Iohannis wrote on