Speech by candidate for PM's office delivered in Moldovan parliament's plenum

Good morning,

Honorable Parliament Speaker Grosu,

Distinguished MPs, dear citizens,

I have been proud to witness, like many of my fellow countrymen, the progress made by Moldova in recent years. As one of the citizens who have carried out their duty wherever they were, I have seen how, through courage, perseverance, and individual contributions, our country has transitioned from a captured, internationally ignored state to a respected nation—vital for regional peace, admired for its lessons in democracy and freedom, capable of developing through its own efforts and with the support of true friends.

It is a great honor for me to have the opportunity to serve my country today. I thank President Maia Sandu and the Action and Solidarity Party’s (PAS) faction for their trust. But, above all, I thank them for having the courage to fight, win elections, and move things in the right direction. My gratitude especially goes to the citizens of Moldova—without their resolve and strength to resist evil, today we would not be discussing EU accession, but rather oligarchy, corruption and stagnation.

What has been achieved in recent years represents an extraordinary leap. This progress shows us how much we can accomplish when we build together, always having a common goal ahead. The most important outcome is the regained hope that Moldova can be a dignified, free and powerful state.

But we all know—there are still a great many things to be done.

Therefore, today I seek your support for a government programme oriented towards economic growth, efficiency and European integration, and for a professional team capable of preparing Moldova for EU accession in the coming years.

My professional and life experience has taught me that good words are useful for uniting people, but become harmful when trying to cover up shortages. Therefore, I promise to be a prime minister who listens, respects and works—not a populist one. I will tell the truth, even when solutions require a collective effort on behalf of the whole country.

I will be open to suggestions and opinions, because good solutions arise from dialogue. But dialogue is a two-way street—I hope we will walk it together. Ideas matter for their feasibility, not for the intensity with which they are shouted. Criticism is useful, but active participation is irreplaceable.

Differences of opinion are natural in a democracy. What is important is that they do not deter us from the path set by the citizens: a European future, a better life, safety for each family.

When and how we achieve these goals may be debatable, but the strategic direction—pro-European and democratic—is non-negotiable. It has been voted on by the majority of Moldova’s citizens.

Governing Programme 'EU, Peace, Development'

The governing programme stems from the mandate given by the citizens to this parliament: to set the country's strategic direction for the coming decades.

The government's mission is for EU accession to bring tangible benefits to people even before the formal process is completed—investments, well-paid jobs, modern public services and a friendly and efficient administration.

The government will be guided by the present national strategies, the reform and European integration agenda and the EU 2028 Programme, supported by most citizens.

I will briefly mention the main sectoral priorities:

1. Efficient Governance

Modernizing central and local public administration, full transparency, digitalization and eGovernance at European standards. Strengthening cybersecurity and critical IT infrastructure.

2. European Integration

Concluding accession negotiations by 2028 and implementing the EU acquis in all areas.

3. Competitive Economy

Stimulating investments up to four billion euros, supporting 25,000 enterprises, promoting Moldovan products and expanding access to European markets.

4. Education for the Future

Investments of 6 billion lei, expanding the network of Model Schools, real access to inclusive education adapted to children's needs.

5. Clean Environment

Planting 60,000 hectares of forests, revitalizing national waters, developing the circular economy and regional waste management infrastructure.

6. Health and Active Life

Hospitals’ modernization, digitalization of the health system, a network of university clinical centers and programmes promoting a sound lifestyle.

7. Energy Independence

Full interconnection with the EU market, investments in renewable energy and modernizing energy infrastructure.

8. Infrastructure and Modern Localities

Nine billion lei through the European Village and European Courtyard programmes. Three thousand km of modernized roads, bridges over the Prut River, completion of the Chisinau Beltway.

9. Welfare and Social Inclusion

Raising the minimum wage to 10,000 lei, 5,000 new nursery places, programmes for the elderly and persons with disabilities—no one will be left behind.

10. Modern Agriculture

Green technologies, expanding irrigation to 50,000 hectares, regional processing centers and extended access to the EU market.

11. Safe Communities

Enhanced law-enforcement presence, modernizing the border, operationalizing the National Crisis Management Center.

12. Fair Justice

Concluding the evaluation of judges and prosecutors, digitalizing the justice system and fighting corruption at all levels.

13. Culture and Identity

Expanding the Cultural Voucher programme, protecting heritage, supporting cinematography and involving the Diaspora.

14. Reintegration and Cohesion

Consolidating peace on both banks of the Dniester. We will ensure that the benefits of Moldova's closer integration with the European Union are enjoyed by citizens and companies in the Transnistrian region as well.

15. Foreign Policy and Security

Intelligent and responsible foreign policy, support for citizens in the Diaspora and modernizing the National Army.

I would like to thank our strategic partners, who are continuously by our side: the European Union, the United States of America and our brothers across the Prut—Romania.

Government Team

The team I propose combines experience and continuity with new energy and professional competence.

Eugen Osmochescu—expert in policies and institutional reforms for increasing economic competitiveness—will be responsible for the portfolio of the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization.

Mihai Popsoi will continue to represent our country and promote the interests of the Republic of Moldova on the European and international stage as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Cristina Gherasimov will continue to be responsible for the European integration portfolio and coordinate the activities of the European Integration Office.

Vladimir Bolea will serve as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development and will continue our efforts to modernize the country's infrastructure.

Valeriu Chiveri—career diplomat and Moldova's ambassador to Ukraine—will be responsible for the Reintegration portfolio.

Dan Perciun will continue to lead the Ministry of Education and Research.

Daniella Misail-Nichitin will hold the position of Interior Minister.

Vladislav Cojuhari will take over the Justice Ministry’s portfolio and is responsible for continuing the justice reform.

Ludmila Catlabuga will head the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry.

Andrian Gavrilita—a seasoned economist in public finance and fiscal policies—will take over the Finance Ministry’s portfolio.

Natalia Plugaru—a specialist in social policies and protection of vulnerable individuals—will be responsible for the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.

Emil Ceban—Doctor Habilitated in Medical Sciences and Rector of the Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy—will head the Health Ministry.

Gheorghe Hajder will continue the policies started at the Environment Ministry.

Cristian Jardan will be responsible for the Culture Ministry’s portfolio.

Dorin Junghietu will lead the Energy Ministry and will continue our efforts to ensure the energy independence of Moldova, which, in turn, ensures the country's security and stability.

Anatolie Nosatii will continue to head the Ministry of Defense. His priority remains strengthening defense capabilities and modernizing the National Army.

Dear Members of Parliament,

I thank those who will support the governing programme and the team proposed.

I also thank those who will oppose—because where there are no more questions and no discussion, there is no democracy.

I invite you all to reflect on three fundamental questions:

How do we, the citizens of Moldova, want to speak about our country in a few years?

How do we want others to speak about Moldova?

And what kind of country do we want to pass on to our children and grandchildren?

We are ready to work, in order to make the answers to these questions a reality.

I call on us to unite our efforts for the well-being, prosperity and European path of Moldova!

Thank you.