Cristian Jardan Replaces Sergiu Gurin Amid Moldova Sports Funding Row

Following the scandal over sports funding, Gurin’s post at the Ministry of Education was taken over by Jardan

Cristian Jardan has been appointed State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Research, with responsibility for sport and youth affairs. The decision was approved by the Government at its meeting on 12 November. He replaces Sergiu Gurin in this role, who held the post for four years.

Sergiu Gurin and Cristian Jardan

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In his new role, Jardan will oversee the development and implementation of policies within his areas of responsibility. Among the priorities announced are maintaining funding for sporting disciplines, with a focus on preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games, developing sports and youth infrastructure, as well as defining the role of sports schools and diversifying their activities.

The new Secretary of State also aims to create the conditions to attract private investment into the sector and to involve as many people as possible in sporting activities.

“We wish to maintain funding for sporting disciplines, with a focus on the 2028 Olympic Games. We also intend to press ahead with projects to create and develop sports and youth infrastructure throughout the Republic of Moldova. We want to define the role of sports schools and diversify their activities, create the conditions to attract as much private funding as possible to the sector, and bring as many people as possible into the field,” said Cristian Jardan following his appointment.

Previously, Cristian Jardan served as Minister of Culture, and from February 2023 to October 2025 he was communications adviser to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova. He is a journalist and media manager with over 15 years’ experience in the media. He is also a member of the Republic of Moldova’s sports journalists’ football team, with whom he has won several national and international tournaments.

Gurin stepped down from his post amid discontent amongst athletes and coaches regarding the new sports funding system, against which they had protested. Under the new provisions, results achieved in non-Olympic disciplines, as well as the awards given to coaches of athletes practising these disciplines, have been excluded from the system of rewards funded from the state budget.

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