PM-designate says rapprochement between two banks of Dniester to be pursued peacefully, step by step, without escalation

The rapprochement between the two banks of the Dniester will be pursued peacefully, step by step and without escalation. We will maintain peace and stability on both banks and protect the interests of citizens. Prime Minister-designate Vasile Tofan today made statements to this effect, who is presenting the governing programme in parliament.

The candidate for the position of prime minister emphasized that avoiding escalation does not mean “the permanent acceptance of different rules, the violation of fundamental rights and the illegal Russian military presence.”

“Implementation of European legislation must be prepared for the entire territory of Moldova, within its internationally recognized borders. The Convergence Fund will become operational on January 1, 2027, with public rules and transparent reporting. We will expand the access of residents in the region to national public services and will gradually apply common tax, customs, economic, social and environmental rules,” Vasile Tofan emphasized.

He noted that reintegration must advance through concrete benefits for people: services, infrastructure, education, economic opportunities, and the protection of rights.

“Our commitment is clear: we will protect peace without ignoring risks, democracy without hesitation, and the law without double standards,” Vasile Tofan stressed.

The main objective is the peaceful and irreversible advancement of the country’s reintegration, by strengthening sovereignty and territorial integrity, maintaining stability, and gradually bringing the eastern districts closer to the constitutional space. The reintegration policy will be gradual, pragmatic, coordinated, and focused on delivering concrete results for people.

The two banks of the Dniester will be brought closer through legal, economic, fiscal, customs, social, educational, cultural, and informational convergence. National rules will be extended gradually and predictably, and businesses will operate within a more transparent and equitable framework. The Convergence Fund will support projects that reduce the disparities between the two banks of the Dniester and increase the attractiveness of peaceful reintegration.

The parliament today convened at a plenary meeting, in order to examine the Government’s activity programme and to grant a vote of confidence to the new Cabinet of Ministers. The mandate of the new cabinet will focus on the vision, “Moldova – a European, safe and prosperous country, in which private initiative generates growth, and an efficient and competent state delivers quality public services that improve people’s lives.”