Moldovan parliament turns down simple motion against economics minister

Chisinau, 23 February /MOLDPRES/ – The legislature rejected the simple motion on internal economic policy of the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure (MEI), led by Chiril Gaburici, today.

Chiril Gaburici came in front of MPs with a report listing the ministry’s achievements in 2017 and ongoing projects. He specified that the registered indices denoted a better state of the situation in economy and said he was working to attract investment, but also to better manage state – owned institutions. "One of the first visits I made after my appointment was to state company Moldovan Railroads, where we talked with employees, but also with passengers. This institution seeks solutions to cover expenses that are higher than incomes, and even if the train is a social transport, it does not have to generate debts. We are looking for solutions so that the company no longer has debts and deductions for paying salaries," said Gaburici.

The minister also explained the business situation and said that the number of checks lowered to attract investment.

The diploma of the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure became again a subject in Parliament's plenary. The Liberal MPs held a protest in the plenary hall. "I understand the reason for certain persons to keep this theme alive, but I do not keep up with chairs and positions because my experience allows me to manage MEI and I have a team which will face the challenges," said Gaburici.

For nearly two hours, the head of the economy responded to questions of MPs, after which faction leaders also held speeches.

At the end of debates, Speaker of the Parliament criticized the text of the Socialists' motion and specified that figures showing a significant increase in the economic sector tell everything, rest are only interpretations. "It is not right to say that the economy was in decline in 2017, because in recent two years the economy had notable increases. The wheat harvest was the highest in 2017 in recent years. It certainly does not look like a year of economic failure. If you do not believe us, you can trust the international experts and IMF. The average wages increased by over 30 per cent over recent two years, and pensions also increased.  The economy is going in the right direction and we trust minister Gaburici and his team. I assure the Government and the ministry that we will continue to support the government programme," said Candu.

The socialist MPs left the meeting room prior to simple motion voting.

The simple motion against the Minister of Economy and Infrastructure, Chiril Gaburici, was submitted by socialist MPs on 15 February 2018 which invoked "disastrous situation" of Moldova’s economy in 2017.

(Reporter A. Zara, editor L. Alcaza)