Moldovan PM-designate in parliament says asking for MPs' vote for programme with clear direction

Prime Minister-designate Vasile Tofan has asked the MPs to support the activity program and the team of the new government, emphasizing that he is not requesting a “blank cheque,” but a vote for a programme with clear objectives, measurable indicators and committed deadlines. The statements were made today, July 21, at the parliament’s plenary meeting, during which the designated candidate for the position of prime minister is presenting the governing programme and the composition of the cabinet of ministers.

“I am not asking you for a blank cheque. I am asking for your vote for a programme with a clear direction, measurable indicators, and assumed deadlines. I will be open to good proposals, regardless of which parliamentary faction they come from. A good solution for the country does not become less good, because it was formulated by the opposition,” said Vasile Tofan.

The prime minister-designate advocated for a political debate based on concrete solutions and alternatives, not just on criticizing the government’s proposed programme. He called on opposition MPs to present their own solutions, accompanied by calculations and estimates of their impact.

But I also invite you to a more responsible debate than simply listing problems. It is not enough to say that the tax reform proposed by the government is wrong. Present your own tax reform – with rates, tax bases, costs, effects on investment, and budgetary impact. It is not enough to criticize salaries in the public sector. Present your own vision of the Salary Law – which positions must be paid better, where there are privileges, what we eliminate and how much it costs,” Vasile Tofan said.

In the same context, the prime minister-designate also referred to the reform of local public administration, requesting applicable solutions under the current conditions, in which the process of voluntary amalgamation is underway and local elections are to take place next year.

“It is not enough to say that the reform of local administration is too slow or too fast. Present an applicable solution starting from the situation we are in today – 21 July 2026, with the amalgamation process ongoing and with local elections next year. That would be a responsible opposition. That would be a state-level debate, not just a political firework display,” the designated candidate said.

Vasile Tofan said that the government would analyze proposals made by MPs, regardless of their political affiliation, if they are well-grounded and can be implemented.

“I promise you that any such proposal – calculated, coherent, and implementable – will be analyzed by the government with all seriousness, regardless of who puts it forward. Criticism is necessary. But the most useful criticism also comes with an alternative,” the PM-designate noted.

In his speech, Vasile Tofan acknowledged that Moldova was facing serious problems, but stressed that the country also has significant resources for development, including access to the European market, external financial support, entrepreneurs and professionals, a strong diaspora, and experience in digitalization.

“Moldova has serious problems. I do not minimize them. However, we also have real resources – access to the European market, unprecedented financial support, capable entrepreneurs and professionals, a strong diaspora, experience in digitalization, and a society that has defended its European path under very difficult conditions,” he said.

The PM-designate said that his optimism about the future of Moldova was not based on the idea that the necessary transformations will be easy, but on the existence of a clear direction and of tools and people capable of implementing reforms.

“My optimism is not based on the idea that it will be easy. It is based on the fact that we have a direction, tools, and people capable of doing this work. Success will not be measured by the number of meetings, laws, or press releases. It will be measured by investments made, growing enterprises, higher exports, completed European projects, better public services, and by the number of people who choose to build their future here,” said Vasile Tofan.

The candidate designated for the position of prime minister said that he wants the new government to work together with parliament and called for cooperation in the process of drafting and implementing public policies.

“I understand that you cannot govern a country alone. I prefer a good idea, assumed and implemented together, rather than a perfect idea developed in isolation. I am a team player and I want us to work together,” the prime minister-designate said.

At the same time, Vasile Tofan said that the new cabinet would not try to offer unfounded “hopes” but will focus on concrete solutions, figures, and implementation.

“I will not sell hopes. I will come with solutions: figures, actions, unblocking and execution. I do not want to contribute to noise. I want us to replace scandal with action. Let us compete on actions, solutions, and figures, not argue just for the sake of likes. Figures can be manipulated, but they do not lie. If you see a problem or a solution, I am open to proposals, with calculations, not slogans. Political spectacle satisfies egos, but does not bring money into the budget,” said Vasile Tofan.

At the end of his speech, the prime minister-designate urged MPs to choose between pessimism and involvement, calling for assuming responsibility and working together.

“In front of us stand two options: to put our hands on our heads in despair or to roll up our sleeves and work together. I choose to roll up my sleeves. For a European economy and an efficient state,” Vasile Tofan concluded.