To Alexandru Munteanu. Tudor Mardei, NewsMaker
“Many years ago, Vasile took over the management of my investment portfolio in the Republic of Moldova at Horizon Capital. “I am convinced that he will manage this portfolio—or, more precisely, the much more important portfolio of the government—with the same success,” Munteanu noted at the beginning of his address.
He emphasized the importance of continuity in the government’s work and expressed his conviction that the 12 ministers from the team he had worked with, now serving in Tofan’s cabinet, would contribute to this continuity.
Reforms Must Continue
According to Alexandru Munteanu, he and his cabinet initiated a number of important reforms that must be continued, despite criticism.
“Alongside the main goal—advancing the Republic of Moldova on the path to European Union accession—I have initiated numerous reforms and projects that I hope will be continued: local government reform, tax reform, the wage law, major infrastructure projects,… programs for farmers, digitalization, attracting strategic investments, deregulation of the business environment—especially for small businesses—projects on energy independence and efficiency, strengthening defense capabilities, judicial reform, cultural and educational projects, reform of the social security and healthcare systems, support for education, environmental protection, and the renovation of the Philharmonic,” the former prime minister listed these reforms.
He specifically noted that the public administration reform has been controversial, but it must be completed transparently and professionally. He also noted that the new oversight body under the prime minister needs to be strengthened, and that government spending and the size of the administrative apparatus warrant careful analysis and adjustment.
“There Are More Referees Than Players”
“As for tax reform, I have met with virtually every Minister of Finance of the Republic of Moldova since the country declared its independence and have collaborated with many finance ministers from other countries. “That is why I can say that tax reform is one of the most complex reforms a government can undertake,” continued Alexandru Munteanu. “Unfortunately, in the Republic of Moldova, debates over this reform have at times turned into a political soccer match. And, to stick with the metaphor, the level of play was at times closer to an amateur league than to the World Cup, and there were so many referees that it sometimes seemed there were more referees on the field than players.”
According to the former prime minister, the tax reform was professionally drafted and received high praise from numerous experts both in the country and abroad, including the IMF. But such a complex reform project cannot be perfect. That is precisely why the government, through the Ministry of Finance, opened it up for public discussion so that it could be improved. And already after the first rounds of consultations, numerous positive amendments were made, and the impact of these reforms was reassessed.
Munteanu expressed his gratitude to all the experts for their professional comments and suggestions. He believes that two false claims have often circulated in the public sphere: that the government was trying to rush the reform through and impose it on society, and that it was dictated to us by the IMF.
“The truth—which is easy to verify—is different. We agreed with the IMF mission on the main principles of fiscal policy, and later determined that the draft would be discussed with the business community, professional associations, and civil society and would be adjusted based on these consultations. That is precisely why, in agreement with the IMF, we decided to postpone the approval of the new program for the Republic of Moldova from July to September so that the dialogue could continue. And the pace of fiscal reform can be further adjusted,” noted Alexandru Munteanu.
The Most Important Resource in Public Service
In closing his remarks, the former Prime Minister of Moldova expressed hope that the new government would see these consultations and the reform as a whole through to completion. “And no, I did not resign because of the fiscal reform,” he emphasized.
Alexandru Munteanu wished Vasile Tofan “the very thing he wished for me at the beginning of my term and for the lack of which he quite rightly criticized me a few months ago: COURAGE!”
In his view, courage is perhaps the most important resource in public service. He also warned that he reserves the right to criticize the new prime minister in the future, whenever he deems it necessary—but in a friendly and constructive spirit.
“Good luck!” the new cabinet of ministers said to Alexandru Munteanu.
