The promises of Bucharest’s new mayor, Ciprian Ciucu: “city-park”, regeneration of the central axis, strict rules for the urban space, Green Belt, reduced seismic risk and “Vision Zero” strategies

Ciprian Ciucu won the mandate of general mayor with a clear margin, and his electoral platform sets out an ambitious framework for transforming Bucharest. The announced directions focus on urban re-organization, modernization of critical infrastructure, administrative discipline, reducing pollution and rebuilding the institutional capacity of the City Hall. At the core of this program is the promise of a functional, coherent city, managed according to professional, not political, criteria.

The document published on 20 November sets the tone of the mandate:
 “Bucharest, as I see it in front of us, is a city that no longer accepts excuses, but demands results. A city where investments are no longer lost in promises, but can be seen in the neighbourhoods, in infrastructure, in the quality of life of every resident. I believe in a modern, coherent, well-administered Bucharest — a city of things done properly, not of improvisations. A city put in good order! My vision is simple: Romania’s capital must become a European city in practice, not only in ambition. That means efficient public transport, civilised public spaces, tidy and well-kept, mature and transparent projects and an administration that works according to rules, not interests. Bucharest needs continuity, rigour and courage in decision-making. And I am ready to carry this direction forward — with results, with respect for people and with the ambition to build a city we can finally be proud of.”

Regenerating the central axis: special Zonal Urban Plan between Piața Unirii and Piața Victoriei

Ciucu’s program positions the central area as a strategic priority. Bucharest is described as a city without an up-to-date planning framework, functioning in a chaotic manner precisely because of the absence of a coherent master plan. For this reason, he proposes a Zonal Urban Plan (PUZ) dedicated to the Piața Unirii – Piața Victoriei axis, meant to logically unify the major urban spaces in the north and south.

This PUZ is intended to be the instrument through which Bucharest regains its lost urban coherence: modernization of public spaces, reconfiguration of squares, clear delimitation of functions, and phased interventions over the long term. Ciucu explains the role of the document:
 “Such a dedicated PUZ will reconfigure all these areas and will propose individual urban regeneration projects, which will be designed within a unitary logic (although different in functions and appearance) and carried out in stages up to the year 2035.”

In his view, the planning context is blocked by a system that has not evolved for more than two decades:
 “Bucharest has not had an updated General Urban Plan (PUG) for over a quarter of a century, and this is due to a combination of administrative, political and legal blockages.”

“City-park”: extending the model applied in District 6

A key element of the program is the transformation of densely populated areas into liveable urban spaces, with greenery and upgraded local infrastructure. The “city-park” concept, tested in District 6, is presented as a model that can be replicated at metropolitan scale.

Ciucu describes the goal as follows:
 “One by one, piece by piece, the densely populated neighbourhoods of Bucharest will become small oases of greenery – with perennial flowers, newly planted trees, simple and modern benches, all environmentally friendly. In addition to green spaces, future interventions will also target road re-systematization, residential parking, lighting, underground and above-ground waste collection points.”

The model is based on compact interventions, carried out according to a unified logic, not scattered arbitrarily.

Visual order and strict rules for outdoor advertising

Another major project aims to restore aesthetic discipline in the city. Ciucu denounces the current chaos of adverts, improvised billboards and visible cables, and proposes a new regulatory policy.

He states:
 “Bucharest needs clear rules on how the public space looks. In my vision, the city must not be a jungle of banners, improvised panels and garish lights, but a civilised, orderly and coherent urban space, where visual discipline and respect for public space are important. I will introduce a new quality standard for shopfront signs and for all street advertising, a modern, European system that protects the city’s identity and reduces visual aggression.”

The rules will cover dimensions, colours, positioning and lighting, along with a mandatory timetable for replacing non-compliant elements.

Reducing seismic risk: the most extensive urban safety programme

Ciucu introduces a long-term plan for strengthening vulnerable buildings. He warns about the current situation:
 “Bucharest can no longer live on luck. We must begin, responsibly, the most important urban safety programme in recent decades. We are the European capital with the highest seismic risk.”

His programme includes:
 – a special expropriation fund for cases where strengthening is impossible;
 – an official mechanism for the temporary relocation of residents;
 – three implementation phases, from essential public buildings to large residential complexes.

On financing, Ciucu states:
 “For this programme not to remain just on paper, I propose the creation of a dedicated fund, supplied from the local budget (with an annual allocation guaranteed by council decision); dedicated government funds for seismic strengthening; European and EIB/EBRD financing; partnerships with the private sector…”

Reorganised Local Police and permanent urban discipline

The reform of public order structures is presented as an essential part of the city’s modernization.

Ciucu declares:
 “The Local Police must be transformed into a modern, disciplined structure, connected to the real needs of citizens and able to intervene quickly and effectively.”

He insists on rigorous enforcement of rules in the public space:
 “Firm interventions against illegal parking, the occupation of pavements, unauthorised street trading, and illegal dumping.”

Road safety: the “Vision Zero” strategy

To reduce accidents, Ciucu proposes introducing standards used in major European cities: strongly lit pedestrian crossings, 30 km/h zones around schools, pedestrian islands, fixed speed cameras and road safety education campaigns.

“Our objective is to drastically reduce the number of serious accidents, based on the principles of ‘Vision Zero’.”

District heating: accelerated modernization and continuous investment

One of the most extensive chapters of the programme addresses thermal infrastructure. Ciucu stresses the strategic importance of the centralised system:

“The city needs modern, predictable and sustainable district heating.”

He proposes:
 – rehabilitation of another 100 km of primary pipes;
 – full digitalisation via a SCADA system;
 – modernization of existing plants;
 – alternative solutions such as solar thermal energy and the use of geothermal resources.

In his view:
 “The need for continuous, permanent investment is essential.”

The Green Belt: climate-protection infrastructure

The “Green Belt” project is conceived as a network of urban forests, parks and ecological corridors.

Ciucu argues:
 “Bucharest needs real green protection, which will reduce pollution, create a healthy urban climate and connect people with the city’s natural spaces.”

Reforming the health system managed by the City Hall

Ciucu describes the hospital network run by the municipality as being in an unacceptable state, with old buildings, no ISU (fire safety) permits and unknown seismic risk.

He states:
 “The need for expert assessments was obvious! Yes, it is necessary to rebuild some state hospitals in Bucharest.”

Air quality and urban mobility

On pollution, Ciucu adopts a firm position:

“Bucharest must become a healthy and breathable city, in which air quality is an absolute priority.”

On mobility, he says:
 “Bucharest must become a city for people, and mobility policies must be centred on public transport…”

The Velo Masterplan: coherent cycling infrastructure

The plan provides for a continuous network of bicycle lanes, built to European standards, connecting neighbourhoods with key urban destinations and integrated with public transport.

Fragmented governance and implementing the 2024 referendum

Ciucu describes the current administrative situation as dysfunctional:

“Bucharest’s governance is ‘spaghettified’, and citizens, and often even public servants, are not clear who is responsible for what: what the “big” City Hall does and what the district authorities do.”

He proposes a reform based on international expertise:
 “I will commission studies and assistance, including from World Bank experts (…) and I will propose to the General Council a phased set of reforms…”