Deputy Prime Minister: We will strive to make Moldova as little vulnerable as possible

The Republic of Moldova continues to face the direct effects of the war in the region, and the authorities aim to reduce vulnerabilities, especially in the energy sector. Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Popșoi made the statements in the context of recent attacks on energy infrastructure.

The official emphasized that our country is not facing its first major crisis caused by the regional context, recalling the wave of refugees, energy crises, and high inflation in recent years. The Deputy Prime Minister confirmed that the Isaccea–Vulcănești high-voltage power line, recently affected, had been targeted before, but this time the impact is significant.

“Over the past few years, the Republic of Moldova has made sustained efforts to diversify its supply of energy resources and to strengthen its energy resilience. But despite these efforts, there are still vulnerabilities that must be remedied. We will strive to make the Republic of Moldova as little blackmailable as possible, as little vulnerable as possible to such adverse situations,” Popșoi said.

The Deputy Prime Minister also criticized the lack of consensus in the political space regarding the condemnation of actions that affect regional security:

“We have political actors in the Republic of Moldova who, even at the eleventh hour, do not want to acknowledge and condemn the sad reality the Ukrainian people are going through, which is also affecting the Republic of Moldova.”

At the same time, the official stressed that the recent attacks have already had direct effects on the population, including in the north of the country, where there were problems with water supply, as well as in the energy sector.

“The target of these actions is to make the Republic of Moldova more vulnerable. But if we continue to strengthen our energy security and remain united as a society, they will not succeed in defeating us. It is the responsibility of the entire society to lend a hand, because the impact will affect us all.”

Popșoi assured that the authorities are working to remedy the situation, but citizens are urged to contribute by reducing energy consumption:

“Work is underway to address the impact of this attack. But it is our responsibility, all of us, to make an effort to save electricity so that we can get through these difficulties with a reduced impact. The energy deficit will begin to be felt as directly as possible starting tomorrow.”

The Isaccea–Vulcănești overhead power line was disconnected on the evening of Monday, March 23, following attacks on the energy infrastructure in southern Ukraine. Under these conditions, the authorities activated alternative energy supply routes, including the four 110 kV interconnection lines between Romania and Moldova.

The Parliament of the Republic of Moldova has declared a state of emergency at the national level for a period of 60 days, starting on March 25.

According to the Decision, the Government will have the authority to adopt urgent measures to manage the energy crisis. They include the rapid provision of energy resources and necessary equipment, the allocation of additional funds for acquisitions, and if needed, the introduction of consumption rationing measures.