APP starts procedures to replace Sergiu Tofilat on Moldovagaz Supervisory Board, at Prime Minister Dorin Recean’s request
The Public Property Agency (APP) has initiated the process to replace Sergiu Tofilat on the Supervisory Board of Moldovagaz at the request of Prime Minister Dorin Recean. APP Director Roman Cojuhari confirmed that the procedure will adhere to existing laws, though he acknowledged that it may take some time to complete.
“We have started the necessary processes following legal provisions. This is a procedure that will take some time, but we will follow it closely and keep everyone informed at each stage,” Cojuhari told the Public Broadcaster "Teleradio-Moldova".
In the meantime, until the APP makes a formal decision, Sergiu Tofilat, who represents civil society on the Supervisory Board, may continue to participate in meetings. Cojuhari noted that this would help ensure the selection process for new management at Moldovagaz remains uninterrupted.
“The current Supervisory Board shall meet and appoint the Board of Directors with the candidacies proposed by the ministry a few months ago. I believe Mr. Tofilat can also participate in that meeting and support the proposed candidates, as he had previously endorsed them,” he added.
Vadim Ceban, the acting chairman of the Moldovagaz Board of Directors, explained that the General Meeting of Shareholders must decide whether to convene the Supervisory Board. So far, no decision to do so has been announced, according to Ceban. On December 5, Prime Minister Recean called for the resignation of Energy Minister Victor Parlicov, interim director of Energocom Victor Bînzari, and Moldovagaz Supervisory Board member Sergiu Tofilat due to alleged poor management of gas purchases. All three individuals have denied these accusations. Additionally, Recean instructed the APP to swiftly appoint a new member to the Moldovagaz Supervisory Board and implement results from the recent competition for new leadership in the Board of Directors.
These reshuffles have sparked criticism from opposition groups and civil society, who have called for the replacement of Vadim Ceban as director of Moldovagaz. In a TV interview, Recean said Ceban would be replaced by Dorin Junghietu. However, he clarified that the final decision on Ceban’s position would be made by the new Supervisory Board.
“We have acknowledged these statements and will await the decision from the Board,” said Vadim Ceban during his interview with Teleradio-Moldova.
We remind you that on September 19, the Ministry of Energy and Sergiu Tofilat proposed new members for the Board of Directors of Moldovagaz. Those proposed included Dorin Junghietu as president and Vadim Ceban as vice president. This new board was scheduled for approval on September 25, but the process was blocked by Gazprom representatives, who hold the majority in the Supervisory Board. After a visit to St. Petersburg, former Energy Minister Victor Parlicov announced that a consensus had been reached with the Russian side regarding the appointments.
