Vasile Tofan
1C is accounting and management software developed in the Russian Federation and widely used in the Republic of Moldova by both private companies and government agencies, according to news.ro.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the software has drawn the attention of authorities in several countries in the region for reasons related to cybersecurity and national security.
However, Prime Minister Tofan warned that an immediate ban would spark a “revolution” and leave accountants out of work, since the software is used by nearly all companies in the country, while alternatives are few and expensive.
“It’s very difficult to replace such software. Even in Ukraine, where 1C was banned, the transition is happening very gradually and with great difficulty. Let me explain why. It’s very easy to pass a law and say, ‘That’s it, we’re banning 1C, and you need to switch to something else.’ But what alternatives are there? I’ll tell you—there aren’t that many. There are several accounting programs, mostly from American software giants, that cost much more, and unfortunately, we don’t have specialists to implement these programs. “If we decide to shut down 1C, I guarantee you—there will be a revolution; accountants will take to the streets and protest. I guarantee it 100%,” said Vasile Tofan, according to the cited source.
Why did this issue arise?
This topic was discussed at the “Diaspora 2026” forum after a businesswoman asked the prime minister about the government’s plans regarding the use of the 1C program, which she called a barrier for entrepreneurs wishing to do business in the Republic of Moldova.
According to Tofan, the solution lies in a gradual transition based on developing alternatives, the cited source reports.
“If you ask me, my honest answer is this: I understand that a smart and experienced politician would say, ‘Ms. Tamara, yes, this is a security risk; we must take action; we will replace 1C.’ But I am a very straightforward person, and I’ll tell you this: it will cost us dearly if we impose this standard, but we must encourage young people to propose even cheaper alternative solutions that can replace 1C, because, indeed, we do have a security problem,”, the prime minister explained.
Ukraine imposed its first restrictions on 1C in 2017, citing security risks and dependence on Russian software, adds news.ro. In January 2026, Ukrainian authorities expanded the measures, adding 1C products to the list of prohibited software for government agencies, the defense sector, and critical infrastructure.
