How Ciprian Ciucu explains the proposal to eliminate free parking for electric and hybrid cars. "If you want mayors to 'buy you' with populist freebies, you voted wrong."

The general mayor of the Capital, Ciprian Ciucu, claims that maintaining free parking for electric and hybrid cars generates social inequity, as Bucharest residents without cars indirectly subsidize the free parking of those who own electric vehicles.

"First of all, because today the public parking service no longer justifies its existence: there are about 90,000 free spots for about 45,000 parking spaces. It's just absurd.

If you want mayors who will "buy you" with populist freebies, you voted wrong. If you want a mayor who will make unpopular decisions but will do what is right in the long term, go with me.

Why I decided to propose the elimination of free parking, including for electric cars:

- Electric cars occupy the same space as thermal ones;

- Free parking stimulates overcrowding of public space;

- It reduces space for pedestrians, bicycles, public transport;

- It brings social inequity: electric car owners are, on average, wealthier;

- Citizens without cars indirectly subsidize their free parking, that of those with electric cars," said Ciprian Ciucu in a message posted on Facebook.

The mayor concluded that free parking sends a wrong message, suggesting that the car is the solution, while civilized cities offer alternatives, such as public transport.

Ciprian Ciucu announced that he will propose the cancellation of free parking for electric and hybrid cars, starting from May 1, with this to be voted on today during a meeting of the General Council of the Municipality of Bucharest.