First democratically elected mayor of Chisinau Nicolae Costin commemorated

A religious ceremony at the Central Cemetery, an exhibition of pictures, published materials, documents and videos, a symposium, a commemorative meal and educative classes in the Chisinau schools are held on February 16 to commemorate the first democratically elected mayor of Chisinau Nicolae Costin, the promoter of the national renaissance movement. Nicolae Costin died from a merciless disease 15 years ago, Info-Prim Neo. The Palace of the Republic, which hosts the exhibition and the symposium, was too small for those who wanted to commemorate Nicolae Costin. Former Presidents of Moldova, mayors of Chisinau and suburban settlements, ministers, poets, writers and ordinary people came to pay homage to him. “I remember Nicolae Costin as one of the temperate leaders of the national renaissance movement,” said Moldova's first President Mircea Snegur. “He provided irrefutable arguments that were understood by everyone so that even those who opposed important decisions, such as the promotion of the Romanian language, accepted them ultimately. He was a man with great political courage. He assumed responsibility to relocate the monument to Lenin, change the incorrect names of the streets and many others. He was a decent man on whose support I could always count.” The former head of the People's Front, poet Ion Hadarca said he has only nice memories of Nicolae Costin. “We were together during the most critical moments and found the words needed to convince the electorate. He was a real promoter of the national ideas and values,” said the poet. “While mayor, Nicolae Costin initiated the most important reforms and changed the appearance of the city.” The current Mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca was a child when Nicolae Costin held office as mayor, but he continues to be an example of honesty, patriotism and decency for him. “The issues raised by Nicolae Costin 17 years ago remain topical,” said the mayor. “He managed to promote the national ideas, but we do not manage to now.” The late mayor's wife Iuliana Gorea-Costin considers that Nicolae Costin's sacrifice was not in vain. “He was among the first to promote the national liberation movement and the democratic values. He did not tolerate the lie and the infantile patriotism,” she said. On April 7, the Chisinau City Hall will unveil Nicolae Costin's commemorative plaque on its building and will launch the album “We will Return Someday” in memory of the first democratically elected mayor of Chisinau.