The Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Dorin Recean, held a press conference in which he announced emergency measures to manage the crisis in the energy sector of the Republic of Moldova. In a strong statement, the Prime Minister called for the resignation of three officials responsible for the current situation, highlighting critical errors made in the process of purchasing and managing energy resources, according to Renergy.md.

The Prime Minister called for the resignation of the following officials: Victor Parlicov, the Minister of Energy, accused of poor management of the energy sector and lack of action at critical moments, Victor Bânzari, General Director of Energocom, for not implementing natural gas purchases at advantageous prices, due to “bureaucratic procedures,” and Sergiu Tofilat, a member of the Moldovagaz Supervisory Board, for unjustified blocking of gas purchases by the responsible institutions.

“These individuals either blocked or did not act at the right time to purchase gas at the most convenient price,” the prime minister said.

In the context of the winter season, the prime minister announced the establishment of a state of emergency in the energy sector, valid from December 16. This measure will allow the authorities to more efficiently manage the supply of gas and electricity, including in the Transnistrian region.

The prime minister noted that, in the absence of a new energy minister, he will personally take over the portfolio of this ministry to coordinate the necessary measures in this vital sector.

The prime minister detailed a series of priority measures:

• Moldelectrica must ensure interconnections for the import of electricity and prepare scenarios for island operation with Romania.
• ​​Energocom is obliged to conclude contingency contracts for the continuous supply of electricity and natural gas.
• VestmoldTransgaz will increase the balancing capacity between the gas transmission systems with Ukraine.
• Termoelectrica will increase production capacity if the Cuciurgani power plant becomes inoperable.
• Recean asked civil society to propose a new member of the MoldovaGaz Supervisory Board, emphasizing the need for responsible and transparent management. At the same time, the Supervisory Board is obliged to quickly implement the results of the competition for the appointment of a new management.

During a meeting held on Wednesday, the Government analyzed the risks related to regional developments, including the impact of the war in Ukraine on the energy infrastructure. The Prime Minister called on state institutions to be prepared for “absolutely any scenario,” emphasizing that “the cold is being used as a weapon against people throughout the region.”

Prime Minister Dorin Recean assured citizens that the Government will make every effort to minimize the impact of the crisis on the population and to protect the energy security of the Republic of Moldova.

“We have a responsibility to provide the country with gas and electricity at the right time, and these measures are just the beginning of preparations for a difficult winter,” concluded the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova.