Commission to nominate 2026 national award laureates approved

The personalities who have distinguished themselves through exceptional achievements in science, culture, art, sports, and social activities will be evaluated by a commission appointed by the Government. The nominal composition of the Commission for the National Award for 2026 was approved today, and it will select the nominees and determine this year’s winners.

The Chair of the Commission will be Minister of Culture Dan Suruceanu. The other members are:

- Dan Perciun – Minister of Education and Research;

- Natalia Plugaru – Minister of Labour and Social Protection;

- Alexandru Gasnaș – Minister of Health;

- Iulian Iorga – Director of the State Agency on Intellectual Property;

- Ion Tighineanu – President of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova;

- Alexandru Stratan – Rector of the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova;

- Otilia Dandara – Rector of Moldova State University;

- Eugeniu Bendelic – Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy;

- Maria Șleahtițchi – Director General of the National Museum of Romanian Literature;

- Vlad Sabajuc – singer and composer;

- Teodor Chiriac – President of the Writers’ Union of Moldova;

- Tudor Zbârnea – Director General of the National Art Museum of Moldova;

- Vitalia Grigoriu – Director General of the Republican Theatre “Luceafărul”; - Virgiliu Mărgineanu – President of the Union of Filmmakers of Moldova;

- Nicolai Ceban – Director of the Sports Training Centre for National Teams; - Valentina Bodrug-Lungu – President of the non-governmental organization “Gender-Centru”.

The Minister of Culture, Dan Suruceanu, emphasized the importance of the National Award and its role in recognizing excellence.

“The state’s highest distinction is awarded annually for outstanding results in the fields of science, culture, art, sports, and social activities, rewarding excellence and the contribution to affirming national values,” said Dan Suruceanu.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan stressed the need to continue granting the National Award despite budgetary constraints.

“Despite the fact that we are, as you know, in a regime of maximum austerity, I believe we must continue granting these awards. There are people who have done a great deal for the Republic of Moldova and I believe they deserve to be appreciated, many of them being of advanced age. We very much hope that this commission will choose those who are the most worthy and who most deserve this distinction,” said Tofan.

The National Award is granted annually by the Government for outstanding performances and achievements that contribute to the development of the Republic of Moldova and to promoting the country’s image. Each laureate receives a prize of 100,000 lei, a diploma, and a medal. The National Award was established in 2012.