Moldova names Romania ex-minister Claudiu Năsui as economy head
Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan announced a strategic cabinet reshuffle on August 25, nominating former Romanian Economy Minister Claudiu Năsui as the new Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization.
Năsui, 41, who was granted Moldovan citizenship on the day of the announcement, replaces Eugen Osmochescu. Osmochescu will transition to lead the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.
A free-market mandate
The appointment aligns with the administration's goal to streamline the state apparatus, trim public expenditure, and deregulate the private sector. Prime Minister Tofan emphasized that Năsui's background in Bucharest will also reinforce economic integration with Romania, which currently absorbs 30% of Moldova's total exports.
Tofan confirmed he coordinated the nomination with Romania’s acting Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan, receiving full support. Addressing potential political friction, Tofan stated that Năsui fully understands his mandate to serve the strategic interests of the Republic of Moldova.
Reconciling fiscal doctrine
Responding to questions regarding Năsui’s low-tax philosophy amid recent domestic tax hikes, Tofan explained that existing tax increases are a pragmatic interim necessity.
The government is not enacting these measures out of comfort, but to plug an urgent budget gap, the prime minister noted. The long-term objective remains lowering taxes on labor and reinvested profits once state finances stabilize.
Defending the decision to recruit across the border, Tofan highlighted recruitment difficulties in the public sector. A ministerial salary is around €2,040 (approx. 40,000 MDL), making senior executive positions difficult to staff compared to private sector alternatives.
Strategic shift for agriculture
The cabinet rotation places Eugen Osmochescu, 54, at the helm of agriculture to prepare the sector for European Union accession funds. A lawyer and seasoned economist, Osmochescu previously served as acting prime minister following the resignation of Alexandru Munteanu in July.
Tofan underscored that post-accession agricultural funding requires rigorous economic oversight. Placing an experienced technocrat in charge ensures modernization and budget discipline across the sector.
Background of the nominees
Claudiu Năsui holds an economics degree from Paris-Dauphine University and a master's in finance from Bocconi University. He served as Romania's Minister of Economy, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism between 2020 and 2021, where he founded the Open Budget transparency platform.
Eugen Osmochescu brings more than 25 years of public policy experience, having collaborated extensively with the World Bank, OECD, CEFTA, and European Union institutions on governance and investment programs.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
