New government members sworn in today

Chisinau, Nov 19 /MOLDPRES/- New members of the government were sworn in today during a ceremony in the presence of President Maia Sandu and Prime Minister Dorin Recean. The Head of State said she has full confidence that "the new members of the Government will succeed in carrying out important actions for citizens".

The ceremony began with the singing of the state anthem of the Republic of Moldova, after which the new ministers took the oath. Vladimir Bolea will head the Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development. New Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry will be Ludmila Catlabuga, an entrepreneur from Soroca, who is currently executive director of the Association of Milk Producers Farmers of the Republic of Moldova.

Daniela Misail-Nichitin, the current state secretary of the Interior Ministry will be Interior Minister.

Maia Sandu wished the new ministers success in their work. The official noted that they will have to continue the reforms initiated in the areas they will manage and speed up the negotiation process with the EU.

"I am glad that the share of women in the government team is increasing. Daniela Misail-Nichitin, you know very well the team you are coming in. The priorities are clear. The first priority is to speed up the negotiation process with the EU on home affairs. There is a lot of work, but you know what you have to do. The second priority is to increase the capacities of your institutions and improve cooperation between these institutions so that citizens feel safe," said Maia Sandu.

The official welcomed the new Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry to the government team. "You are here because you have demonstrated professionalism and courage to open a business and succeed in the Republic of Moldova in a complicated field. You will still have to lead a field with many problems. There is a lot to do. Our problems in agriculture are that for decades nothing has been done to adjust to climate change and increase competitiveness. However harsh the conditions, we need to develop competitive and climate-friendly businesses in Moldova. Minister Vladimir Bolea has started important changes in the sector and you must continue them in close communication with the representatives of the agricultural sector," Maia Sandu said.

"Mr. Vladimir Bolea, you are taking over a broad sector with many responsibilities, but also a sector with an impact for most citizens. The programs and projects for which this ministry is responsible contribute directly to raising citizens' living standards. The speed with which we move and the quality of our actions are very, very important. I have every confidence that you will succeed," said Maia Sandu.

Recean addressed messages to the new ministers, urging them to continue the actions to transform the country.

"The police has demonstrated a performance in the fight against electoral corruption, as well as a growing capacity to ensure public order. We want the same visible performance, for the benefit of the people, to be seen in the other subdivisions of the Interior Ministry. Mrs. Ludmila Catlabuga, welcome to the team. I trust that, just as you have built agriculture with high added value for your family, we will multiply this experience throughout the country. I am confident you will succeed. Mr. Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Bolea, thank you for transforming one sector and it is time to start another. The construction sector needs to be revitalized because it is a contributor and engine of economic growth. We need to restructure difficult sectors like railways. Thank you for your dedication and your firm commitment to transforming the country," noted Dorin Recean.

The changes in the cabinet were announced yesterday evening by Recean. The decision was outlined after several consultations.

The changes come after Maia Sandu announced during the election campaign that if she is re-elected president, some changes will be made in the government team by the end of this year.

After the runoff election, Recean announced he would come up with proposals for policy and government changes, as "the citizens who voted have said very clearly that we need to make some changes".

The cabinet led by Dorin Recean was sworn into office on February 16, 2023.