The newly sworn-in Tofan Government held its first meeting today. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan described his Cabinet as “a government of courage,” saying it had taken office at a difficult time. He also stressed that the Government and all public authorities must be the first to “tighten their belts”; otherwise, they cannot ask citizens to do the same, TRIBUNA reports.

Opening the meeting, the Prime Minister thanked the lawmakers who voted in favor of the Government, opposition members who offered criticism and suggestions, and his colleagues who agreed to join his team during this challenging period.

“Many call us a kamikaze cabinet. I say we are a courageous cabinet that has chosen to step in during a difficult situation. We must work with integrity and courage, because great achievements have always required courage,” he said.

Tofan outlined several immediate priorities and instructed ministers to prepare concrete measures.

Capping Excessive Salaries

The Prime Minister said public outrage over excessively high salaries is justified.

“The outrage is understandable. I share it. We are a poor country.”

He instructed Secretary General Alexei Buzu to present, by 31 July, a package of measures including salary caps and the elimination of excessive bonuses.

“We cannot carry out reforms while tolerating abuses. We cannot ask people to tighten their belts while we continue to tolerate excesses. A comprehensive salary law will come later, but we must act immediately.”

Cutting Waste in Public Institutions

Tofan said reducing waste must begin with small everyday decisions.

He gave the example of receiving a T-shirt made in Moldova as a gift.

“I appreciate the gesture, but I believe all Government members should buy such a T-shirt instead of receiving it for free. Waste starts with small things. Savings of hundreds of millions begin with savings of hundreds of lei.”

According to the Prime Minister, one T-shirt costs about 150 lei, meaning purchasing them for all 16 Cabinet members would cost roughly 2,000 lei.

Limiting Foreign Travel

Tofan criticized excessive spending on official travel abroad.

While acknowledging that some trips are necessary, he said many could be replaced with online meetings.

“I learned today that the Prime Minister must approve official travel, so I will be much stricter. I intend to travel very little. I’ll hold discussions by phone and Zoom whenever possible. I want to spend more time here, in the country, not on the road.”

Reforming State Institutions

The Prime Minister said the state administration contains too many overlapping positions and agencies with unclear responsibilities.

He requested proposals from ministries and public institutions by 22 September on possible restructuring, including:

• eliminating redundant positions;
• merging institutions;
• dissolving unnecessary agencies; and
• reviewing institutional responsibilities.

Tackling Abusive Business Inspections

Tofan said he had received numerous complaints from exporters and other entrepreneurs about an increase in excessive and burdensome inspections.

He instructed Deputy Prime Minister Eugen Osmochescu to prepare proposals by 9 September to curb abusive inspections.

The Prime Minister also said he had discussed complaints concerning the State Tax Service with its head, Olga Golban.

The Government is launching a dedicated email address—[email protected]—where businesses can report abusive inspections.

Tax Reform

Tofan said tax reform remains a priority.

“The first attempt was unsuccessful—in fact, it was a failure. It also came at the wrong time, during the MoldATSA scandal and other controversies.”

He instructed Finance Minister Victoria Belous to present a tax reform package by 6 August.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated that the Government must lead by example.

“It will be very difficult to ask citizens to tighten their belts if we do not begin by tightening our own.”