President of the Republic of Moldova, Maia Sandu, stated today during a press conference, in the context of the “MoldATSA” scandal, that public trust in the government has suffered greatly in recent days and that people’s anger is justified. The head of state also said that several actions must be implemented to prevent abuses and waste of public money in the future, TRIBUNA reports.

“I am upset as well. I want to be very clear and say that preferential treatment and waste of public money are unacceptable.

I did not know about these abuses, but that is not an excuse and shows that this is a systemic error that requires immediate intervention,” she said.

Maia Sandu noted that the way people are appointed to leadership positions in important institutions must be reconsidered. According to her, the approval of the Intelligence and Security Service and the National Anticorruption Center must become mandatory; all information about previous professional experience must be verified; recommendations from former employers must be requested.

The head of state also declared that the activity of state‑owned enterprises and their managers must be monitored, and semi‑annual performance indicator reports must be presented.

“It is also necessary to review all boards of directors, reduce the number of members, and ensure that one person sits on only one board, with regulated remuneration,” the president added.

Maia Sandu stated that the Public Property Agency must be divided into two entities: one responsible for developing profitable enterprises, and another for the rest.

The head of state stressed that all abuses must be investigated, those responsible must be sanctioned, and money unduly received must be returned.

Maia Sandu also commented on the activity of her cousin, Anastasia Taburceanu.