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Valent́ina Bonḱa
Romda - In Agausia’s second largest city Romda’s newly elected mayor, Vakt́ang Kobalâ of the Agausian Liberals (AL), has launched a comprehensive corruption probe aimed at tackling the city’s deep-seated governance issues. During a press conference earlier this week, Kobalâ unveiled the initiative, calling it a “historic step towards restoring integrity in Romda’s administration.” This marks one of the first major moves of Kobalâ’s tenure since he unseated incumbent mayor Aṕolinarâ Gevorgâ of the Social Democratic Party (SD) in August.
The mayor painted a stark picture of systemic failures that have long tarnished Romda’s reputation, stating, “Corruption has hollowed out our institutions and betrayed the trust of the people. This probe is not about blame—it’s about accountability. Romda deserves a government that prioritizes its citizens, not personal gain.”
Kobalâ’s announcement builds on mounting public frustration over allegations of mismanagement and fraud that have plagued the city for years. The probe follows a high-profile corruption scandal uncovered last year, where city contractors and officials were implicated in a scheme that defrauded taxpayers of millions of Pûli. Public outrage over the scandal played a pivotal role in Kobalâ’s election victory, as he promised sweeping reforms and a commitment to transparency.
While the mayor’s initiative has drawn praise from some quarters, it has also sparked significant controversy, particularly among members of the Social Democratic Party. High-ranking SD officials, including former mayor Gevorgâ, have accused Kobalâ of weaponizing the investigation to settle political scores.
“While we all want to see corruption rooted out, the mayor must remember that his powers are not unlimited,” warned city council member Ióne Beriši. “Checks and balances are the cornerstone of our democracy, and we will not allow anyone to bypass them in the name of reform.”
Some Social Democrats have characterized the probe as a politically motivated “witch hunt,” designed to tarnish the reputation of their party. In a statement, the SD’s leadership expressed “serious concern” about the potential overreach of the mayor’s office, urging Kobalâ to ensure the investigation is impartial and fair.
Despite these accusations, Kobalâ has rejected claims of political bias, reiterating his administration’s focus on systemic issues rather than individual party affiliations. “This is not about politics,” the mayor stated firmly. “It’s about justice. Anyone found guilty of wrongdoing, regardless of their position or party, will be held accountable. No one is above the law.”
He went further, addressing the criticism directly: “Only those who have something to hide should be worried about the repercussions of this probe. It’s very telling that some have already raised alarm bells before any findings have been made public. Honest officials should welcome this effort, not fear it.”
The announcement has fueled speculation about who might be targeted in the investigation. Although Kobalâ has avoided naming specific individuals or departments, many believe the probe will center on practices from the previous administration, with potential implications for high-ranking SD officials.
As the investigation unfolds, Kobalâ’s leadership and commitment to transparency will face a critical test. For Romda, a city weary of scandals and inefficiency, the outcome of this corruption probe could mark a turning point—or a continuation of the challenges that have defined its recent history.
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