Igor Grosu: New PM faces tough decisions on state companies, investments and EU integration
Restoring public trust, which has been shaken by scandals involving unjustified remuneration in the public sector, attracting investments, stimulating economic growth, and facilitating access to all clusters of the European Union (EU) are the main objectives that the future government, led by Prime Minister-designate Vasile Tofan, must achieve by the end of this year.
The tasks were outlined by the Speaker of the Parliament, Igor Grosu, in the July 15 edition of the "I and the European Union" program on Moldova 1.
Grosu stated that the first objective of the new government will be to restore public trust, which has been damaged by recent scandals over the salaries of some public-sector employees. The new Prime Minister will need to make difficult decisions concerning the salary system in certain state-owned enterprises.
"We must make an effort to restore trust and, frankly, correct our mistakes. We need to promptly receive the evaluation report from the National Anticorruption Center and the Revision Commission regarding Moldatsa, and we must make tough decisions regarding the salary system there, the composition of the Board of Directors, and evaluate all properties managed by the Public Property Agency", Grosu declared.
Additionally, the new Executive must focus on attracting investments and boosting the country’s economy. Grosu noted that Vasile Tofan, who comes from the business sector, will have a better understanding of the relationship between the state and private enterprises.
"He comes from the business field, has a strong understanding, and feels the pulse and mood of the business environment. We have seen a positive reaction from the business community, which is encouraging, as they now have a person who understands the challenges in the state-business relationship," Grosu added.
Furthermore, the Cabinet of Ministers led by Vasile Tofan must work to open all negotiation clusters with the European Union and fulfill the commitments made.
The process of amalgamating localities will continue
Regarding the reform of local public administration, Grosu specified that it will proceed according to the commitments made, with the voluntary amalgamation process already at an advanced stage. He mentioned that Tofan’s proposal to fully municipalize the Republic of Moldova could only be reconsidered after the next electoral cycle.
"The reform of public administration must continue in line with our commitments. We are currently at a very advanced stage in the voluntary amalgamation process, and we cannot intervene at this moment. Tofan believes that it is reasonable to revisit the issue in the next electoral cycle and learn from our experiences. We could consider municipalization after this electoral cycle," Grosu explained.
The Speaker outlined several priorities that the future Government must focus on, including budget rectification, the continuation of the drafting process for the Law on Wages, and a review of fiscal policy, which has stirred controversy in society.
"He understands that we are at a very advanced stage with the Law on Wages. We must continue this work in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection. We need to ensure that the budget rectification receives at least one reading by the end of this session, and a second reading during the extraordinary session in August. Fiscal policy is also a priority. However, I suggested that he form an opinion on these matters, and then we can revisit each proposal," Grosu concluded.
We remind you that the structure and composition of the Tofan Government will be announced by the end of this week, with a vote of confidence in Parliament scheduled for Tuesday, July 21.
Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu stated on Moldova 1 that Vasile Tofan will have the freedom to propose his own government composition. However, he emphasized the significant progress made by the acting Minister of Education and Research, Dan Perciun, the Minister of Energy, Dorin Junghietu, and the interim Minister of the Environment, Gheorghe Hajder, in their respective areas.
The designated Prime Minister, Vasile Tofan, recently concluded consultations with the interim ministers of the current Government. At this time, no member of the Cabinet has confirmed whether they will be part of the new Executive, with the majority indicating that the decision lies solely with the designated Prime Minister.
