New Minister of Agriculture selected from “very narrow circle”

The Republic of Moldova could have a new Minister of Agriculture next week. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said at today’s press conference that several candidates have been identified, but the final decision has not yet been made.

He says he is not rushing to appoint the new minister, given the strategic importance of agriculture and the problems the sector is currently facing.


“I hope we will be able to announce the new minister next week. I think it’s very important to make a well‑considered decision here, because this is such an important sector, a sector facing major challenges,” said Vasile Tofan.


The Prime Minister underlined that agriculture needs significant changes, and the future minister will have a difficult mission.


“We need major changes in agriculture. And that is precisely why I have not rushed this decision, but I hope, if things go well, that we can announce the new minister next week,” Tofan said.


Asked whether the authorities have already identified the person who will take over the Agriculture portfolio, the Prime Minister said there are several options.


“We have identified several candidates, and for the moment the options involve a very narrow circle,” he said.


The office of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry has remained vacant after the resignation of Radu Musteața, who left his position only a few days after the Government led by Vasile Tofan was sworn in.

Musteața submitted his resignation on 24 July 2026, and the Prime Minister accepted it, calling the decision “a gesture of responsibility” meant to protect public trust in the Government.

The resignation came amid a controversy regarding Musteața’s political past and reports that he had ties with the former Democratic Party of Moldova. Initially, Musteața rejected the accusations, but later admitted that he had participated, for a period, in PDM meetings and that he had signed an application to join the party.

In the message announcing his resignation, the former minister said he had made the decision to protect trust in the Government and claimed that the information published about him contained “false and manipulative” elements.