Dorin Recean requested the resignations of Victor Parlicov, Victor Binzari and Sergiu Tofilat. Reactions of those concerned
Prime Minister Dorin Recean requested the resignations of three key officials: Victor Parlicov, Minister of Energy; Victor Binzari, interim general director of the “Energocom” enterprise; and Sergiu Tofilat, a member of the board of observers of “Moldovagaz.” Recean accused them of failing to take necessary measures to ensure the supply of natural gas for the country.
Until a new Minister of Energy is appointed, Recean announced that he would manage the energy portfolio himself, emphasizing its importance. He stated that Victor Parlicov, responsible for the energy sector, had made mistakes that led to crisis situations. Recean criticized Victor Binzari for not purchasing gas when opportunities were available, saying he was “hiding behind bureaucratic procedures” and thus failed to secure the necessary supplies for the winter at the best prices.
Regarding Sergiu Tofilat, Recean claimed that even though he lacked competence, he nonetheless obstructed the responsible institutions from purchasing gas at the most favorable times. He mentioned that he had asked the Public Property Agency to convene the General Meeting of Shareholders promptly to appoint a new member to the board of observers at “Moldovagaz.” The Prime Minister commented that these individuals either blocked necessary actions or failed to act at critical moments to obtain gas at the optimal price. He emphasized that their primary responsibility was to ensure the country’s gas supply rather than shifting blame.
Furthermore, Recean indicated that he would ask Parliament to declare a state of emergency in the energy sector from December 16 until the natural gas supply situation was solved. This measure aims to address the crisis and ensure that citizens on both sides of the Nistru River receive electricity.
“When you assume the position of minister, you accept the rules of the game. As long as the Prime Minister and the government need you, you are a minister. When they no longer need you, you are no longer a minister. I was aware of this from the start; I have no intention of being a minister forever. It’s a natural process, and I will provide more details separately”, said Victor Parlicov for the Public Broadcaster “Teleradio-Moldova”.
Sergiu Tofilat, a member of the Council of Observers of "Moldovagaz," told "Teleradio-Moldova" that he was unaware of his dismissal. “He is asking for my resignation, but for what reason? I have no idea,” said Tofilat.
Victor Binzari, interim director of Energocom, also commented, “I haven’t heard about this request, but now politics decides, right? I will comply.”
At the end of November, Moldovagaz requested an increase in gas tariffs, which ANRE subsequently approved. Starting December 1, the new tariffs will be implemented, resulting in a rise of 3 lei and 62 bani per cubic meter for household consumers. The new tariff stands at 16 lei and 74 bani per cubic meter, VAT included. Authorities have assured that they will provide increased energy compensation, although the details of this mechanism have not yet been announced.
