Moldova's ruling party initiates reform after state enterprise scandal
The Moldovan Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) has moved to address integrity concerns following a public outcry over excessive compensation at state-owned enterprises. On June 30, PAS leader Igor Grosu announced the expulsion of four party members and demanded a government-led overhaul of wage policies in the public sector.
The disciplinary actions follow recent investigative reports exposing significant financial irregularities at Moldatsa, the state agency responsible for airspace security. Reports indicated that former officials received monthly salaries reaching up to €6,122, with several appointments reportedly made without mandatory public competition.
"The investigative reports served as a harsh lesson regarding our systemic vulnerabilities," Igor Grosu stated in a public address. "We accept responsibility for these errors and are committed to restoring public trust, despite the difficulty of this process."
In addition to internal purges, Grosu called for the immediate dismissal of the director of the state-owned enterprise Metalferos. The government has initiated a comprehensive review of all compensation models within state corporations to align them with ethical standards.
The ruling party's swift response occurs as Moldova accelerates administrative reforms necessary for European Union accession. President Maia Sandu's administration has prioritized these structural integrity measures to ensure that state resources are managed with transparency.
The National Anticorruption Center (CNA) and the Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office are currently investigating Moldatsa for alleged abuse of office and financial mismanagement. The scandal has already triggered the resignations of several high-ranking officials, including the head of the Public Property Agency and the chair of the parliamentary committee for economy, budget, and finance.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
