Agriculture minister quits two days after Tofan Government inauguration
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, Radu Musteața, announced his resignation on Friday, July 24, just two days after the new Government was inaugurated. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan confirmed the resignation, stating that he had accepted the minister's request to step down.
Radu Musteața, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAIA), submitted his resignation today, which Prime Minister Vasile Tofan accepted. The Prime Minister noted that the resignation was a personal decision—an act of responsibility aimed at maintaining public trust in the Government and its governing actions.
In his announcement on social media, Tofan expressed respect for Musteața's choice and assured that the ministry's operations would continue without disruption. He emphasized that the appointment of a new minister would occur as soon as possible.
Musteața explained on Facebook that his resignation was a responsible gesture in light of the critical reforms the Government is planning to implement. He stated, "The government must ensure a series of important and complicated reforms to guarantee the well-being of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. To maintain trust, I deemed it necessary to resign my mandate. The professionalism and integrity I uphold must not be compromised by false and manipulative information. I appreciate all the support, recognition, and encouragement I have received."
Radu Musteața had taken on the role of Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in Tofan's Government after leading the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) since October 2021.
Following the Government's vote of confidence in Parliament, Veaceslav Burlac, the president of the "Respect Moldova" Movement, shared information on social media suggesting that Musteața had previously worked with the Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM) in the Ciocana sector. He questioned how Musteața had passed the vetting process of the Action and Solidarity Party to become a minister.
Musteața rejected these accusations, explaining that during his student years, he supported the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM) because he believed in reforms and the country's European path. He acknowledged attending meetings organized by former PLDM deputy Nae Simion Pleșca but clarified that this "does not mean that I was a member of the PDM."
In response to the situation, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan stated that he had discussed the circulating information with Musteața and asserted he would not make decisions based on "unverified accusations." Tofan noted, "He denies being a member of the Democratic Party and provided explanations regarding the context of the published photos. I will not act on unverified accusations or photographs open to interpretation. At the same time, I will not tolerate insincerity from any member of the Government."
Furthermore, Tofan warned that should any "clear evidence" arise contradicting Musteața's claims, he would take appropriate actions.
