Radu Marian steps down after MoldATSA salary scandal
Radu Marian, a deputy from the Action and Solidarity Party, has announced his resignation as chairman of the parliamentary committee on economy, budget, and finance. This decision comes amid a scandal involving alleged salary abuses at the state-owned enterprise MoldATSA. Marian stated that he took responsibility for recommending a person to join the enterprise's team in good faith; however, he claimed he was unaware of any irregularities within the institution.
The situation surrounding the issues at MoldATSA has unfortunately damaged the credibility of the entire team. I acknowledge that I made a mistake in recommending a person for a position, acting in good faith without knowledge of the salary abuses that were taking place. The Censors' Committee and the Financial Inspection must now investigate the cases of financial misconduct," Radu Marian stated in a post on social media.
The deputy cited the need to protect the team's image and focus on the European integration process as reasons for his resignation from the position of Chairman of the Committee on Economy, Budget, and Finance.
"I announce my resignation from the position of Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for Economy, Budget, and Finance. My two essential priorities are the country's accession to the EU and the integrity of the team with which we have accomplished so much. The unity and image of the team, as well as citizens' trust in our common project, are far more important than any position. I will continue to contribute, as a deputy, to the Republic of Moldova’s pursuit of a free and prosperous European future," Marian declared.
He condemned the reported practices and emphasized that the appropriate institutions must ascertain all details of the case.
"I condemn such behavior. Throughout my years in office, I have never strayed from the values I initially set. While I certainly made mistakes, I have always performed my duties as a deputy with integrity," the deputy stated.
Radu Marian reviewed his parliamentary activity, noting that he has coordinated over 20 sectors and contributed to the promotion and adoption of nearly 500 laws and decisions, including initiatives related to energy independence, support for the business environment, and European economic integration.
"I want to believe that I have done everything I could for the Republic of Moldova and our European path, even if I have made mistakes. However, I can confidently say that I did not pursue any hidden interests or derive any personal benefit. Any institution is welcome to verify my income, assets, and activities. What has transpired is a hard lesson for us. We do not shy away from responsibility; on the contrary, we acknowledge our mistakes and seek to correct them," the deputy added.
Marian's resignation comes amid journalistic investigations into the activities of the state enterprise MoldATSA. According to an investigation by Rise Moldova, Anastasia Taburceanu, a cousin of President Maia Sandu, allegedly earned over a million lei in less than a year after being hired as the company's spokesperson, with an average monthly salary exceeding 75,000 lei. By 2026, her remuneration would purportedly have surpassed 120,000 lei per month.
Earlier, on June 22, MoldATSA's director, Dumitru Vangheli, was dismissed after the Board of Directors revoked his mandate, citing a loss of trust from the founder. This decision followed an investigation by Ziarul de Garda, which revealed that Vangheli had included false information in his CV regarding his experience and qualifications in the aviation sector, as well as irregularities in the hiring and promotion of close associates within the company.
