On Saturday, PNL leader Nicolae Ciucă and the capital’s mayor, Nicușor Dan, presented the “vision for Bucharest, the Capital of Romania”, a project aimed at urban modernization of the city.
Nicolae Ciucă and Nicușor Dan shared plans for Bucharest. Photo: Mediafax
A new government headquarters and a Bucharest open to the public
One of the most notable proposals in the vision for the Capital is the relocation of the seat of government from the Victoria Palace to the House of Science, a 70,000 square meter building located next to the Parliament Palace. This new space, which Ciucă calls the “Government Palace”, would become the central administrative nucleus, facilitating the activity of ministries and making public administration more efficient. At the same time, he proposed that the Victoria Palace be transformed into a museum, and the Victory Square be returned to the public as an open space.
“It’s a vision that changes the face of Bucharest and restores its historical identity and status as the country’s capital”declared Nicolae Ciucă. In his opinion, this change not only brings more efficiency to the administration, but also creates an open framework, accessible to the citizens of Bucharest.
Replacing the walls of Parliament with an open public space
Another essential aspect of the project is the demolition of the wall around the Palace of the Parliament and the setting up of an extensive event area in the Constitution Square. “We assume that the walls around the Parliament will disappear. We need a business center, a financial center for what the development of the Capital will mean”Ciucă pointed out. By removing this barrier, the space becomes more accessible to the public, underlining the desire to transform Bucharest into an open and citizen-friendly city.
A long-term vision: a 10-year commitment for the future of the Capital
Ciucă highlighted the need for a solid and long-term political commitment to implement these projects, proposing that the future president of Romania support the project for Bucharest. “It is important that the future president of Romania also undertakes a project for Bucharest… it is a project that must be undertaken for a period of 10 years, including by the Government and the Capital City Hall”he pointed out.
An “Administrative District” and the relocation of the Justice District
The plan also includes the creation of an “Administrative Quarter” around the Parliament Palace, a project that would centralize government institutions and streamline the coordination of their activities. In addition, the Justice District will be located in the vicinity of the future Government Palace, thus consolidating the area as a central point of the national administration.
Nicușor Dan, supporter of the initiative, explained that it will simplify civic and administrative activities, including the conduct of protests. “There will also be an efficiency of the protests, because they will all protest in the same place”said the mayor, emphasizing the advantages of the centralized organization of public space.
The economic impact of Bucharest and sustainable urban development
“Bucharest is the heart of the Romanian economy. 30% of Romania’s GDP is made in Bucharest and Ilfov”, pointed out Ciucă, explaining that his project will not only improve the city’s infrastructure and administration, but will have a significant economic impact for the entire country. By expanding and reconfiguring administrative and recreational spaces, the PNL leader aims to modernize the Capital, making it more efficient, more open and better connected to the needs of citizens.
Project costs, not yet estimated
Asked about the necessary budget, Ciucă stated that the estimates will be established after the project is politically assumed. “When we have the project politically assumed, we will also move on to the financial details”he said, indicating that this stage will come later.
Through this shared vision, Nicolae Ciucă and Nicușor Dan aim to transform Bucharest into a modern and functional metropolis, adapted to European requirements and aimed at improving the lives of Bucharest residents, while preserving and capitalizing on the city’s historical identity.