Romania Bans Chisinau Mayor Over Kremlin Ties

Romania has issued a five-year entry ban on Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban, sparking sharp political reactions in Moldova. Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, leader of the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), accused Ceban of acting on behalf of Russian intelligence and labeled him a "Kremlin pawn."

“He has nothing to do with the pro-European path,” Grosu said, citing Ceban’s past with pro-Russian parties and his refusal to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Grosu described Ceban as a “Trojan horse” sent to infiltrate Moldova’s pro-European camp, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES

Romania’s Foreign Minister confirmed that Ceban and two other Moldovan citizens are banned from entering Romania and the Schengen Area on national security grounds. No further details were provided.

Ceban responded by calling the move a political vendetta, warning that Moldova was heading for its “dirtiest parliamentary campaign ever.” In turn, PAS Vice President Dan Perciun stated that “actions have consequences,” accusing the mayor of undermining Moldova’s European course through Kremlin ties.