Simple motion against Moldova's energy minister fails

The simple motion against Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu has failed. After approximately seven hours of debates, it did not get the required number of votes, being supported by only 38 MPs.

During the motion’s examination, the minister delivered a speech before the MPs, in which he presented the situation in the sector. He noted that, in recent years, the Moldova had faced a succession of crises in the energy sector, each amplified by external factors, and that energy had been used as a political weapon.

"A difficult year in a context in which Moldova has faced not a single energy crisis, but a succession of crises, each amplified by external factors that we do not control, but for which we must be prepared. However, the most complicated factor we try to deal with every day is public disinformation and manipulation," Dorin Junghietu said from the parliament’s rostrum.

According to him, energy, especially gas, has been used as a political weapon.

"Let us not forget a simple fact based on data by the National Statistics Bureau (BNS): the share of natural gas in final energy consumption is about 16 per cent. Nevertheless, there is a deliberate attempt to create a perception of widespread catastrophe, in order to generate panic and social discontent. These risks have been significantly aggravated by the Russian Federation’s bombardments of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. These attacks do not affect only Ukraine. They have direct consequences for the energy security of Moldova and for stability in the entire region," the minister said.

For about four hours, the energy minister answered MPs’ questions related to the gas stocks made by Moldova in Ukraine and the formation of the gas price. Among the topics discussed by MPs, there were works on power lines and high invoices.

"Mr. Minister, some of the authors of the motion promised in the election campaign that, if they won, they would recognize Moldova’s debt to Gazprom. How much money have citizens saved because they did not win these elections?" asked an MP of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), Eugen Sinchevici.

Dorin Junghietu said that the government’s actions in the recent period had protected public resources: "The government took over the infrastructure from Lukoil and unbundled the distribution, supply and transmission activities of Moldovagaz. Thus, we prevented possible transfers of critical infrastructure into foreign hands and protected the country’s energy security," Junghietu said.

The minister said that documents had been discovered in the ministry’s archives showing attempts to transfer certain energy enterprises to Gazprom as payment for the so‑called gas debt.

"Who deliberately kept Moldova energetically isolated? We have discovered in the Ministry’s archives correspondence, activity plans and various documents according to which the Balti–Suceava line was supposed to be built back in 2005," the minister said.

MP Ion Chicu asked the minister for explanations regarding a memorandum with two American companies for the construction of a 100 MW gas-fired power plant, which provided for exclusivity: "Mr. Minister, you committed yourself not to examine and not to negotiate with other investors for this project. Did you sign such an agreement?" Chicu asked.

Junghietu specified that "this memorandum does not limit negotiations with other investors." "It is about an urgent generation capacity at CET Nord, necessary for immediate supply, and it was carried out in compliance with regulations. The project was accelerated following discussions with contractors and American partners."

The debates in the parliament’s plenum also covered the oil and gas fields in the south of the country. "In the Cahul region, there are small quantities of oil, but we do not have gas deposits proven by geological or 3D seismological studies. Any underground storage project requires very high costs."

As for the storage of natural gas, the minister provided details about the weighted average purchase price of gas, which was 39.6 euros/MWh for the period September–December 2025. For the months of January–February 2026, estimates indicate an even lower level of about 38.74 euros/MWh.

"To secure the necessary volumes, 54 bidding rounds were organized, with the participation of 13 European companies. A large part of the gas was contracted in advance, with delivery directly on the day of consumption. This approach made it possible to avoid storage costs, which in the past contributed to tariff increases," Minister Junghietu said.

The minister noted that Moldova currently held security reserves of about 200 million cubic meters of gas. These stocks are meant exclusively for emergency  situations. At the same time, the company Energocom registered positive deviations in the period 2025–2026. They are reflected in lower final costs for consumers.

Asked by MP Diana Caraman about high energy bills for citizens, the minister explained: "The gas procurement strategy developed by Energocom generated savings of almost 400 million lei, reflected in the invoices. At the same time, we implemented energy efficiency projects in schools, hospitals and homes, reducing energy losses by 30–50 per cent."

As for the Vulcanesti–Chisinau line, which was to be commissioned by the end of 2025, Dorin Junghietu reiterated that delays had been caused by unfavorable weather conditions and some holdups in the delivery of equipment to substations.

Asked whether he is satisfied with the state of affairs in the energy sector, the minister said he was proud of the progress made over the last three to four years.

"In last summer, Moldova faced the risk of an energy crisis. It was overcome partly thanks to the support provided by Ukraine and, equally, due to major investments made in the renewable energy sector. We entered the cold season with two essential elements: a well-prepared winter plan, which included more scenarios, and a contingency plan developed for situations in which conditions could deteriorate. The team of the Energy Ministry was permanently mobilized. Even during critical periods, we were in constant contact with all operators in the energy sector, in order to ensure the uninterrupted supply of electricity and natural gas to consumers. I am satisfied with the progress made over the last three to four years."

Junghietu said that, in August 2025, Moldova had managed, for about 10 minutes, to cover its entire energy demand from renewable sources.

"This result is a direct consequence of the investments made, but also of the involvement of citizens who have built energy generation capacities and who care about the future of this country. The effects of these investments were felt by consumers as well. During the summer, especially in August, the additional renewable energy generation capacities contributed to a partial reduction of electricity invoices, both in the north of the country and in the areas served by operators in the center and south," Dorin Junghietu said.

In his closing message to MPs before the vote, Minister Dorin Junghietu stressed that he had worked and would continue to work "in the interest of Moldova, and for its energy security and dignity."

"Today, Moldova is physically and functionally connected to the European energy market, is diversifying its sources of natural gas supply, is developing strategic interconnections with Romania and the region, is accelerating investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency and is strengthening institutions and the regulatory framework for a transparent and competitive market. These things are not slogans; they are concrete projects with secured financing, works in progress and measurable results. Yes, prices have been high, and some decisions have been difficult. But the essential question is: would we have been better off without diversification, without interconnections or without integration into the European energy market? The answer is clear: we would have been vulnerable. Before you, I reaffirm three clear commitments: uncompromising energy security, transparency in decision-making and accelerating investments in infrastructure and clean energy," Dorin Junghietu concluded.

MPs on behalf of Our Party, Alternative and Democracy at Home factions submitted a simple motion against Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu. The authors asked for the urgent hearing of the energy minister, representatives of the national Energy Regulatory Agency and Energocom company, as well as the retroactive application of corrected tariffs.