New culture minister faces questions over CV and past
Following the resignation of Radu Musteața, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, just two days after the inauguration of the Tofan Government, another ministerial position is now in jeopardy. The newly appointed Minister of Culture, Dan Suruceanu, faces accusations of conducting business with individuals convicted of corruption and receiving improper payments from "Arena Chișinău," where he was previously employed.
The Speaker of Parliament, Igor Grosu, the leader of the ruling party, announced that he would seek explanations regarding recent controversies. Analyst Anatol Țăranu emphasized that high-ranking state officials are held to much stricter moral standards than ordinary citizens.
"Holding a high public office entails certain responsibilities that may be overlooked in the case of an average citizen. If you aspire to hold a significant government position, you are required to maintain a clean record, and there should be no reasonable suspicions regarding your involvement in actions that might tarnish the integrity of your position," Țăranu commented on the “Zi de Zi” show on Radio Moldova.
He believes it is important to monitor the situation involving the Minister of Culture, as the precedent set by the resignation of the Minister of Agriculture will likely impact how similar cases are addressed in the future.
According to Țăranu, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan's response to Radu Musteața's situation enhances his political credibility. He remarked that the Prime Minister has adhered to his commitment to enforce strict integrity standards within his government team.
"This case positively reflects on Prime Minister Tofan, who promised to be very stringent regarding Minister Musteața's situation the moment the news broke. We see that Mr. Tofan kept his word, which is a point in his favor at the beginning of his political career," the analyst said.
Such instances suggest that moral standards are becoming increasingly significant in public life in the Republic of Moldova, he added.
"In the Republic of Moldova, the truth matters, as does the moral integrity of individuals in high state positions, which is crucial. A few years ago, this perspective would have been almost unthinkable. Today, it is happening. Therefore, anyone holding a state position must understand that honesty and a commitment to public opinion, rooted in the truth, are essential," emphasized Anatol Țăranu.
Suruceanu's affairs
The Minister of Culture, Dan Suruceanu, has been associated for approximately 20 years with an equestrian company, Ecvetimpex SRL, alongside Nicolae Gangal, the former director of the Republican Center for Veterinary Diagnostics, who was convicted of corruption in 2018. Gangal received a five-year suspended sentence for allegedly falsifying tender documentation for the procurement of an anti-rabies vaccine, thereby favoring a specific company. This resulted in a reported loss of 1 million 465 thousand 200 lei from the National Agency for Food Safety's budget. The funds for this tender came from a state program co-financed by the European Union aimed at eradicating rabies in foxes in Moldova, as reported by Free Europe.
Minister Suruceanu stated that he was unaware of Gangal's conviction and noted that their company primarily engaged in supplying horses to the police.
The investigation also highlights the friendship between Dan Suruceanu and businessman Vladislav Boghii, who guaranteed a 25 million lei loan granted by Banca de Economii (BEM). This loan later became part of BEM's debt portfolio of approximately 751 million lei, which was transferred to Roseau Alliance LLP, a company controlled by Ilan Șor that was involved in a "carousel" scheme involving non-performing loans. Suruceanu claimed he was not familiar with the specifics of this case either.
"Boghii and I have been friends since our time at As Petrol. Honestly, I do not know about the BEM loan case, and I see no reason to share any secrets with him, just as he would not with me," commented Minister Suruceanu.
Free Europe also reported that, during his tenure at "Arena Chișinău," Suruceanu allegedly earned over 141 thousand lei above the legal ceiling, as revealed by an audit from the Court of Accounts. The minister denied the allegations, explaining that the additional income stemmed from work conducted, including on weekends.
"The fact that he worked for several companies is a positive aspect. We will request more details from the minister, as I also read this information this morning," said Igor Grosu before the parliamentary session on July 24.
Dan Suruceanu was appointed Minister of Culture in the government led by Vasile Tofan, which was inaugurated on July 22. The Prime Minister previously noted that he considers Suruceanu suitable for this position due to his extensive management experience across various fields.
