Moldova needs 'sacrificial' PM to balance EU reforms, expert says
Moldova needs a new government that can balance EU-mandated structural reforms with domestic economic impact following the unexpected resignation of Prime Minister Dorin Recean, a security expert says.
At the same time, Dorian Istratii, a deputy from the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), insists the party will remain faithful to its election promises and will find a team capable of seeing its European agenda through.
Analyzing Mr Recean's term, security expert Ștefan Bejan told broadcaster Moldova 1 that the Executive operated at an intense pace, describing its activity as one of continuous crisis.
"It was intense while Mr Recean was leading the government. The PAS government acted like firefighters," he said. "They constantly had to put out fires, and just when one problem seemed solved, another appeared. We're talking about the hybrid war, about the ongoing energy crisis. He probably needs a break somehow... Maybe he'll return with renewed strength in a year, maybe less."
Mr Bejan believes the current political and economic climate demands a Prime Minister with a clear mission: essential systemic reforms to "turn Moldova into a functional state."
"The PAS government must appoint a 'sacrificial' Prime Minister—a premier without immediate political ambitions—because the coming radical reforms are known to be unpopular," he argued.
"Efforts must be made to improve the country's economic situation, and the citizens of Moldova need to feel what the European Union means in their wallets too. Because you can't feed people with values indefinitely... I suspect the future Prime Minister will have an economic profile," Mr Bejan concluded.
In closing, the expert expressed hope the change will bring a "new lease on life," though he anticipates "a good part of the ministers of the Recean Government will be included in the future Executive."
Fellow PAS member Dorian Istratii, also on Moldova 1, insisted Mr Recean "successfully managed all challenges that arose, together with the Government team, and finished the job," adding that the set goal, including the country's security, was achieved.
"We need a Prime Minister and a government that must complete the entire path toward EU integration," said Mr Istratii. "All the complicated draft laws, which need to be consulted with citizens, must be approved in the next four years. And our agenda must be seen through to the end."
"We're not discussing a 'sacrificial' government," Mr Istratii insisted. "We're discussing a team that can implement this agenda."
He added that it is "premature" to discuss potential candidates, pending "consultations in accordance with the statutory procedures" of the party, but reaffirmed PAS's commitment to delivering a competent government.
"We must appoint a highly professional team capable of facing these challenges and the electoral programme we presented to the citizens. PAS will put forward the best candidate for the Prime Minister's role and a very good team," the PAS MP said.
Mr Recean has confirmed he will not lead the next Cabinet of Ministers, despite the PAS parliamentary majority that previously installed him. He will also give up his parliamentary seat, won in the September 28 elections.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
