Former Social Democrat, now independent candidate Sorin Oprescu sworn in as Bucharest Mayor on Thursday, in front of the new Bucharest General City Council. "This new beginning brings a new vision over the administration of Romania's Capital", said Oprescu after the ceremony, adding that "the mayor is a balance factor in the Capital".

Oprescu's statements, in brief:

- with your help, I start a difficult journey towards the accomplishment of these visions and I want us to act as a team;

- he interests of the community are above the interests of those in this room or those of narrow minds;

- my partners and my support in the mission that begins today are the competent counselors and employees of the City Hall, the media that understand to communicate the way I collaborate with the parties represented in the General Council, the law and the fair and transparent negotiation in the decision-making process;

- forming a viable and operational majority is the responsibility of the parties;

- the Bucharest inhabitants voted to put an end to all backstage combinations;

- there are two million people who voted you and you have to respect them.