Government reshuffles and challenges in energy sector leadership in Moldova
Prime Minister Dorin Recean stated that he recognized the disparity between citizens' expectations and the reshuffles undertaken.
During the "Secrets of Power" program on Jurnal TV, he reassured the public that these reshuffles would continue. However, the Prime Minister warned that recruiting skilled professionals willing to assume challenging portfolios, such as the energy portfolio, remains a significant challenge.
"I have initiated the evaluation of various agencies and other institutions. At present, I am prepared to dismiss ten individuals. The question remains: whom should I appoint as their replacements? For instance, the Ministry of Energy and Energocom are still in search of professionals to manage these demanding sectors. Reshuffles will continue, and I am ready to implement certain changes in government-affiliated institutions today. However, I must honestly admit: it is exceedingly challenging to find a competent professional willing to work under these conditions."
Governmental reshuffles were a key commitment, prominently voiced during the presidential election campaign. Both President Maia Sandu, who ran for re-election on behalf of the ruling party, and Prime Minister Dorin Recean, along with Speaker Igor Grosu, leader of the Action and Solidarity Party, emphasized that citizens' voices had been heard and that changes within the government team would follow the elections.
On November 11, one week after Maia Sandu’s election victory, Andrei Spînu announced his resignation from Recean's government. A week later, on December 18, the Prime Minister announced the promised reshuffles: Vladimir Bolea assumed leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development, while two women—State Secretary Daniella Misail-Nichitin and Ludmila Catlabuga—were appointed to head the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry, respectively. At that time, Dorin Recean’s proposed reshuffles faced widespread criticism in the public domain for being insufficient and superficial.
The most recent reshuffles occurred on December 5, when Prime Minister Dorin Recean called for the resignations of Energy Minister Victor Parlicov, interim general director of Energocom Victor Bînzari, and Sergiu Tofilat, a member of the Moldovagaz Supervisory Board. The three were accused of failing to take necessary measures to secure the country’s natural gas supply—accusations that were denied by Parlicov, Bînzari, and Tofilat.
Until a new Minister of Energy is identified, Prime Minister Dorin Recean has assumed the portfolio. From December 13, Eugeniu Buzatu has taken over as interim general director of SA Energocom.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
