INTERVIEW MOLDPRES // Moldovan parliament speaker says mandate full of challenges; leadership had to deliver more than promised

The parliament of the 11th legislature period, elected at the snap election on July 11, 2021, is ending its work. MOLDPRES has discussed with Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, in an interview given exclusively with MOLDPRES, on the achievements of the legislature, the challenges faced, the relations with the European Union and the Russian Federation, the upcoming parliamentary elections, due in next autumn.

"We succeeded in to maintain peace and manage the situation"

MOLDPRES: Mr. Parliament Speaker, thank you for being available to give an interview with MOLDPRES. Four years of legislative activity have passed. In fact, this has been a fulfilled mandate. Have you managed to fulfill all the commitments made in the summer of 2021? Have you fulfilled all promises made to the citizens?

Igor Grosu: This has been a mandate full of events and challenges. We had to deliver more than we promised. We managed some things; the others are obviously still in progress. We are evaluating the level of fulfillment of our commitments. Among the most important achievements, I would highlight a few.

The most important thing is that we managed to maintain peace and calm in society. This was amidst direct clear attempts at destabilization right at our border. Pro-Russian and pro-criminal forces tried to destabilize the situation right outside  the parliament. We managed to maintain peace and manage the situation. I believe that this is the main foundation to be able build something, to be able to advance.

We have become more energy-independent. People remember, when each winter, we feared whether Gazprom or the Kremlin would cut off the gas. Now, we are confident this won't happen, and we won't be blackmailed. As for the gas, we've learned to procure it by ourselves from the market, looking for cheap gas from those who don’t blackmail us when we negotiate the gas price.

"We are in the process of implementing the Isaccea–Bucovat–Chisinau electricity independence line"

We still need to work on electricity. This is the last link yet unfulfilled in energy security. We are in the process of implementing the Isaccea–Bucovat–Chișinău electricity independence line and have made substantial progress. We have a good progress and we hope to soon manage to operationalize, eliminating this vulnerability, which we should recognize. We know this, just as our foes know. We should remedy it, so as to no longer be dependent in this respect.

Surprisingly, we have managed to attract substantial investments in renewable energies. I would like to say that I am pleased by the interest of both companies and citizens in renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic and wind. This year, there were days when over 50 per cent of consumption came from renewable sources, proving the correctness of this decision. We still need to solve the problem of storage capacities, because we produce, but we lack storage. Hence, during peak times, if we speak about the photovoltaics, during the day, when we have more sunny days, we need to store the energy. Otherwise, imbalances appear in the system.

"We doubled the budget meant for families to 4.8 billion lei in 2025"

We have also taken care of pensioners. We fulfilled our commitments, though more efforts are needed. We doubled the budget meant for families, increasing it from 2.8 billion lei for families, children, and allowances in 2021, to 4.8 billion lei in 2025.

Starting from September 1, we will provide meals for children from grades V to IX, covering the entire gymnasium level. Practically, from grade III to IX, all children will be nourished. They should be nourished healthily, regularly, following recommendations of physicians and specialists.

Surely, I mention the implementation of the European Village National Programme, editions I and II, European Village Express. Only those refusing to see wouldn't notice the almost 800 kilometers of roads and 940 km of aqueducts built, - money which we managed to attract, both from internal and external funds, and invest in services. As having access to water, roads, to street illumination is not a trifle; it is a daily need, it is a living standard, European one, to which we aspire.

"Judicial Reform: The process is irreversible; those opposing should resign themselves to it."

MOLDPRES: Judicial Reform is meant to ensure the rule of law in Moldova. Are we at the final stage? Can we say the reform is finished and efficient?

Igor Grosu: What we haven’t fully achieved—and we acknowledge this—was underestimating the speed at which we intended to advance the judicial reform. This is inevitable, here, we are not contented either. Unfortunately, there was resistance on behalf of the system, from judges and prosecutors. Yes, there are courageous individuals among both judges and prosecutors, but they need to become more vocal and active, more present. And citizens, naturally, like us, expect more: more courage in decision-making and law enforcement.

The judicial reform isn't finished yet. There's much work ahead. I will give you some figures, for you to be able to compare: when the evaluation process started—the so-called external evaluation—it was unpopular among judges, but inevitable, as, excuse me, we did not see, at that time, a critical mass or real wish for self-reform, for self-cleaning within the judiciary. I did not see this. I speak frankly, I know what I am talking about.

And then we had to come up with this external instrument – external evaluation, with experts, both of the country and from abroad, who started with the Supreme Court of Justice, the Courts of Appeal and so on. The members who were to be elected in the Superior Council of Magistracy (CSM) and the Superior Council of Prosecutors (CSP) also started being evaluated. At the moment, about 140 judges left, as they had failed to pass the evaluation. It is very good that they left, or were dismissed, especially the “notorious” individuals.

New, young judges are entering the system. The National Institute of Justice is a priority, training these newcomers, who are hopefully less influenced by past habits and more open to reform and change. We're looking forward to seeing real progress.

At the end of the mandate, we increased the number of those in evaluation committees, and next come the evaluation of prosecutors, of Specialized Prosecutor’s Office, of Anticorruption Prosecutor’s Office and other structures. So, the process will continue. Why has it lasted so much? Fos instance, in case of judges, besides the large volume of work and analysis -as they were presenting information, were asked and then again presented information - I saw cases of deliberate procrastination. Yes, some candidates or judges under evaluation got to procrastinate deliberately: they are either sick, or they are busy or have other reasons. But in reality, some them dragged time as long as one year, in order to avoid the moment of confronting evaluators. A large volume of work and intentional delays from some candidates and judges under evaluation, avoiding confrontation with evaluators.

This was obviously made deliberately, in order to slip away, to hope that we will  eventually give up the evaluation process. Our message is quite clear: the process is irreversible. We will continue it. And we hope very much to have reliable partners in this effort. And those who oppose have nothing but resign themselves, as we will not cease this process.

"European Integration is one of our achievements."

MOLDPRES: European integration is now a national objective in the Moldovan Constitution. Four years ago, however, it seemed to be more an electoral slogan. Nevertheless, the parliament did an essential job, in order to adjust the legislation to the European standards. Have you managed to improve the entire legislation?

Igor Grosu: Yes, European integration is one of our achievements. We can say with pride and strength that the European integration is one of the achievements of these four years. Which is the difference? While four years ago, we were speaking ‘’whether’’ Moldova would ever become a candidate state, not we speak about ‘’when’’ and ‘’how soon.’’ This is a change of paradigm. We switched from ‘’maybe’’ to a doubtless fact – this is the way we consolidated, we wrote it in the Constitution, in the state’s Fundamental Law and all efforts are made in this direction.

Yes, we can say that we turned the European integration from a theoretical idea to a practical one, quite real, into a concrete desideratum. In 2022, we gained candidate status, and we hope very much that, under the Danish EU Council Presidency, we will able to open the negotiations on first chapters, alongside our Ukrainian friends, with whom we have moved together in all this process. Yes, the parliament has a significant role, but the difficult period is still ahead, comparing what we have done with what we have to do.

The key reforms: security, energy sector, agriculture, education, social protection

MOLDPRES: Could you point out the key reforms on which you have worked?

Igor Grosu: Yes, I can make a review: in the energy sector - interconnecting with ENTSO-E, adopting the third energy package, separating distribution from transmission. We adopted the legislation necessary for the implementation of the third energy package, which implies the separation of those who deal with the distribution from those who deal with the energy’s transportation.

We have made progress on the energy dimension. In the environment sector, we adjusted a good deal of the legislation. In the agriculture, we adopted European directives, which allowed us benefit from export quotas – especially for our vegetables and fruits. Last year, you remember., we were pleasantly surprised to become the principal exporter of plums on the European Union’s market. This was a surprise for us as well.

The things are moving well this year too, if we speak about sweet cherries. I have recently talked to agricultural producers, who told us that there was a huge demand in this regard and our producers try to take advantage and capitalize on this opportunity. Other fields; education, social sector - we had negotiations with the European Union member states on the social protection of our citizens. I can give examples; Italy, France, Greece – I was personally in Greece. These are quite good examples and we moved fast in this area. As for the cybersecurity, in the context of the attacks from abroad, especially on behalf of the Russian Federation – we had to adjust the legislation, in order to protect the critical infrastructure: mobile telephony, railway transport system, databases, banking system. We made quickly all these things, having also a comfortable parliamentary majority, which allowed us discuss, negotiate and adopt the decisions needed.     .

By the way, another achievement: the roaming, which was again ratified, is the European Union’s decision as of January 1 2026 roaming agreements ratified by the EU, leading to lower prices from January 2026. Our citizens will enjoy another roaming regime, lower prices, possibility to contact relatives, and so on.

The payments system, which will allow citizens to make transactions and enterprises to make more secure transactions and at lower commissions between Moldova and EU member states, as well as vice versa, and so on.

"Moldova stands out on Europe's map. We've become credible."

MOLDPRES: If you draw a conclusion, what should citizens understand from these reforms? What benefits do they bring?

Igor Grosu: We explain our investments to citizens in their localities. No locality in Moldova has been left without some benefit, utilizing both internal and external resources, European and American partnerships.

All these things speak about the fact that Moldova stands out on Europe’s map. We have become reliable, we have become more respected and each time when we participate in international meetings, Moldova is mentioned in good side, by the fact how we behaved in the refugees crisis, how we behave now.

We have a clear position; we name the things their words when somebody attacks a neighbour state, we take into account the sovereignty and territorial integrity. So, everything we do is to move very quickly, not to let ourselves be manipulated and in 2029, at the latest, be ready to be able to request the decision on Moldova’s accession to the European Union.

"The Law on the creation of the Prosecutor’s Office for Anticorruption and Combating the Crime (PACCO): we sent it for expertise; we await the decision.’’

MOLDPRES: Can you update on the Law on the Prosecutor’s Office for Anticorruption and Combating the Crime? It was voted in the first reading on February 20, 2025; what's its current status?

Igor Grosu: We voted on it after discussions with European partners. The legislation emerged from analyzing our law enforcement's performance during presidential elections and a referendum, dealing with meddling from outside. Some institutions performed well, despite limited resources; others didn't, prompting unified prosecutorial capabilities under one specialized entity, PACCO—ensuring adequate human and material resources.

Following partners' request, we sent it for expert analysis within justice and prosecutorial reform contexts. Recommendations are pending; we will review, incorporate relevant suggestions, and finalize the law.

The Law on Advocacy: "Criticisms accepted. Our intention was to assist lawyers."

MOLDPRES: The Law on Advocacy has faced public dissatisfaction. Lawyers feel their rights are overlooked. What's your response?

Igor Grosu: I'm aware of these discussions. Criticisms are accepted. Perhaps the process was faster than anticipated, allowing less time for public debate.

Our intent was to aid lawyers—integrating three academic or civil society members into the ethics and discipline review board adds value, maintaining lawyer majority. We've proposed removing the appeal fee to encourage addressing service quality grievances. Other improvements are aimed at enhancing legal practice.

We're open to reconsideration, being prepared to refine law adjustments. It's crucial for justice assurance in Moldova.

"Territorial-administrative organization of Moldova, a discussion topic"

MOLDPRES: Are you still considering Moldova's potential reorganization into three regions or establishing counties?

Igor Grosu: Demographic shifts, migrations and local developments prompt such considerations. Comparisons with Baltic States—as populations are similar—highlight Moldova's many municipalities as luxurious. Citizens and mayors recognize amalgamation logistics, evident in recent voluntary regional integrations in Floresti and Leova.

Quality infrastructure, connecting roads, waste management, education, health services are priorities. Rational use of resources without compromising service access is key. The previous reform's failure—creating citizen dissatisfaction—is a lesson learned, prompting rationalization aligned with Baltic countries' efficient models.

"Parliamentary diplomacy plays an important role: we build relationships with partner countries"

MOLDPRES: How has parliamentary diplomacy strengthened international cooperation?

Igor Grosu: Parliamentary diplomacy complements traditional diplomacy, building friendships with partner countries, advocating for our policies, particularly emphasizing European integration needs. It informed allies of our social security negotiations for our diasporas, as illustrated by the ratified pension agreement with Italy.

Parliamentary diplomacy fosters ties facilitating agreements, addressing problems faced by the Diaspora, like driving licences’ recognition or diploma validations, boosting economic prospects.

European integration efforts require diplomacy at various international platforms, utilizing interactions with the EU countries' parliament leaders, in order to articulate Moldova's needs, ensuring alignment and assistance channels.

"Moldova highlights credibility in European Parliament meetings, driven by a committed collective image."

International engagements—like parliamentary presidents’ meetings, bilateral talks—are utilized to present Moldova’s situational realities, solicit critical aid, and reinforce alliances. This multilateral approach established Moldova as a reliable, disciplined partner. Active participation strengthens collaborative perception and promotes integration.

„We have managed to build this image of consistent country, which keeps  word , is sincere in what it wants to do’’

Obviously, we talk about the European integration process. This is the most important thing. We had to be present on all platforms, either we talk about the meetings of the Foreign Policy Committees, or about the meetings of parliament speakers of the EU member states, to which the countries candidates for accession are invited.  Each time, I availed myself of this occasion in order to explain, first of all, what happens in Moldova, what assistance we need, especially in cases dealing with the energy crisis and justice reform. When you explain them from the first sources, when you present them arguments, interacting with their government, their presidents, on why a part of the technology should be sent to Moldova, as there are many requesting it.  We have managed to build this image of a consistent country, which keeps word is sincere in what it wants to do, and then we have this openness about which I talk.

I participate, due to my position, in meetings of parliament speakers of the EU member states and other multilateral platforms and I say that the counterparts are interested, are quite well informed and this concern about Moldova makes me happy. And therefore, I say: now, time is ripe for us and we should be disciplined, consistent and move fast in our European integration process.

MOLDPRES: What happens to the agreements concluded with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)? Have all of them been denounced or there some still valid?

Igor Grosu: As for the agreements with CIS, there are a lot of them, hundreds, if am I am not mistaken, on different dimensions. We denounced a part of them. Some of them detailed legal procedure in this accord, which we should follow. As for the other, we should be attentive, analyze them. For instance, there are agreements which give rights to our citizens who move on the territory of another CIS member state. If these provisions or aspects are not regulated through a bilateral treaty with Russia, Belarus or other CIS member state, we should be attentive for a void not to appear. We analyze quite attentively where we see that it is not relevant. So, we move forward, the Foreign Affairs Ministry makes this sorting.

"Two threats to Moldova's security - corruption and the Russian Federation"

MOLDPRES: How does Moldova plan to address disinformation and security threats from Russia?

Igor Grosu: Correctly diagnosing problems is instrumental in strategizing responses. Regrettably, Russia poses a security threat to Moldova, acknowledged in our National Security Strategy, identifying corruption and Russia as key threats.

Russia's actions show disregard for Moldova’s sovereignty and territory, through energy blackmail, export blockages, misinformation campaigns and illegal military presence. We've bolstered defenses, reducing energy dependencies and creating economic diversification.

Voter corruption legislation now addresses electoral misconduct. Equitable relations demand mutual respect; Moldova seeks fair treatment under international norms, while decisively reinforcing its territorial security.

"Upcoming election - crucial: staying on the European path or relapsing into instability"

MOLDPRES: What consequences might arise, if pro-Russian forces dominate the next Parliament? Will Moldovans still have free movement in Europe?

Igor Grosu: Such a scenario would be too bad, akin to Georgia's situation. A Russian-dominated Moldova would halt EU financial support, exploiting the country against Ukraine. Transnistria understands the perils of involvement, having seen Russia's destructive force firsthand in Ukraine.

The next autumn election focuses on Moldova's direction towards European integration versus uncertainty and instability. Russia's historical mistrust enlists a stark choice between peace, prosperity, and turmoil.

"Collective security treaty with Russia: promoting it serves organized crime interests"

MOLDPRES: Russia-aligned politicians in Moscow propose Moldova joining a Russian-led security treaty. What are your thoughts?

Igor Grosu: Such treaties weaken rather than strengthen security. Those promoting them represent criminal interests, serving as Russia’s pawns. Russia's past “protection” equaled destruction, not a desirable model for Moldova. Genuine bilateral respect aligns Moldova towards contributing to Europe's family.

The Russian populace deserves freedom, a world without the fear induced by dictator regimes. Moldova aspires to European values of dignity and mutual recognition.

The electoral list of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) open for personalities and parties sharing European values

MOLDPRES: What’s PAS’s stance on parliamentary elections? Who might be on your electoral list?

Igor Grosu: Notable personalities have joined our team, like university rectors and cultural figures. We've extended invitations to pro-European parties—some still contemplating; others pursue independent electoral efforts. Internal party debates acknowledged the election's broader goal: Moldova's trajectory towards or away from the European path.

Candidates' opinions and contributions aren't contingent upon PAS membership, valuing their independent expertise and collaboration. Mistakes from past election cycles serve as lessons, aiming for refinement and progress in future endeavors.

"Team spirit over individual roles, function is secondary"

MOLDPRES: What position would you accept after the end of mandate of parliament speaker? Are you willing to accept the office of prime minister, for instance?

Igor Grosu: Individual capabilities serve best where the team maximizes their value. The emphasis is on shared team goals over personal titles, maintaining unity and advancement regardless of individual positions.

MOLDPRES: Mr. President of the Parliament, thank you for this interview.

Igor Grosu: Thank you as well.

Author: Cornelia Stefoglu