The Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, Emil Boc, received the “Medal of Democracy” on 28 August — the highest distinction granted by the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. The medal was presented by the Speaker of Parliament, Igor Grosu, during the celebrations marking Ungheni City Day.
According to Grosu, the distinction was awarded “in appreciation of the friendship and constant support” that Emil Boc and Cluj-Napoca have offered Ungheni and the Republic of Moldova. The Ungheni City Hall stated that the medal was given “in gratitude and recognition of Emil Boc’s merits in the democratisation of Moldovan society.”
What the regulation says
The “Medal of Democracy” is the highest of the Parliament’s distinctions, according to the 2017 regulation. It is awarded for contributions to promoting reforms and developing the rule of law, defending constitutional rights and freedoms, promoting the traditions of parliamentarism, as well as for outstanding merits in fields such as science, sport or culture. The distinction may be conferred on officials, cultural figures or individuals who contribute to developing cooperation.
10 years of cooperation, around 17 million lei
Ungheni and Cluj-Napoca have been twin cities for 10 years. During this period, the Cluj-Napoca City Hall has provided Ungheni with total support worth around 17 million lei, according to data cited by the Ungheni City Hall in May 2026. According to Grosu, this support funded the renovation of two municipal parks and the modernisation of urban transport. Ongoing work on the Delia Lake waterfront regeneration project.
During the 28 August visit, the final point was a review of the 8 vehicles Cluj-Napoca has donated to Ungheni over the 10 years of cooperation — the last three arriving in August.
Boc has also been an Honorary Citizen of Ungheni since 2023. The title was awarded for “his impressive contribution to the development of Ungheni and the development of truly friendly relations between Ungheni and Cluj-Napoca.”
International Youth Conference
Also on 28 August, Grosu and Boc participated — alongside Mayor Vitalie Vrabie, the mayors of Reghin and Tulcea, and the Deputy Mayor of Joniskis — in a panel discussion at the International Youth Conference, where they spoke to participants about democracy and its benefits.