Defense Minister: Institutions analyze every military death case with utmost seriousness, and I have personally committed to closely overseeing intensification of psychological support and monitoring activities

The institutions analyze every case of military death with utmost seriousness, and I have personally committed to taking under control the intensification of psychological support and monitoring activities, as well as to cooperating with the competent institutions and specialists from civil society in order to prevent such tragedies. Over 30 years, 113 soldiers have died in the National Army, 27 of whom took their own lives. Minister of Defence Anatolie Nosatîi made the statements today.

The minister explained the context and the measures he has taken to prevent tragedies and protect the military personnel:

“We started from an underfunded and poorly equipped army. We have built an army that is better equipped, better trained, and better socially protected. At the same time, you have summoned me through a motion of censure to answer one of the most painful subjects: the deaths of young conscripts. From the main forum of the country, I want to convey my full sympathy to the families of the soldiers.”

The minister emphasized that respect for the lives of soldiers is a permanent priority and that each case is treated with maximum seriousness:

“Respect for the lives of soldiers is a permanent priority. Every life lost is a tragedy. A tragedy also for our system. The institutions analyze each case with utmost seriousness, and I have personally committed to closely overseeing the intensification of psychological support and monitoring activities, as well as to cooperating with the competent institutions and specialists from civil society in order to prevent such tragedies.”

Nosatîi also conveyed a general message to society:

“The National Army belongs to the people. Caring for our soldiers is a shared responsibility. Investment in defense means investment in peace. Investment in soldiers means investment in the safety of our families. Investment in security means investment in the future of the Republic of Moldova. Peace does not maintain itself. Peace is built every day, through responsibility, through solidarity, and through respect for those who defend this country.”

The parliamentary opposition submitted a simple motion in Parliament on 19 February against the policies of the Ministry of Defence, invoking serious deficiencies in the management of the institution, including with regard to the security of military personnel and the administration of public assets. The document was signed by 42 MPs.