According to the state news agency TASS, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zaharova claimed on Thursday that Chișinău’s appointment of Romanian politician Claudiu Năsui to the Moldovan government amounts to handing the country’s economic sector over to Bucharest, while pro-Western forces officially recognize their own incompetence.
Diplomatic Fallout Over Năsui Appointment
The appointment of Romanian politician Claudiu Năsui as Moldova’s minister of Economic Development and Digitalization has drawn sharp criticism from Moscow. During a Thursday press conference cited by TASS, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zaharova stated that pro-Western forces in Moldova have acknowledged a lack of personnel and competence.
According to Zaharova, Chișinău is openly handing the country over to Bucharest amid crisis trends in the Moldovan economy. She asserted that the government is transferring the entire economic sector into the hands of private individuals from Romania.
Citizenship Decree and Allegations of Rushed Procedures
Zaharova also focused on the legal steps preceding the appointment, pointing to the swift granting of citizenship. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry representative, Moldovan President Maia Sandu signed the decree granting Năsui Moldovian citizenship on the same day as his nomination.
Zaharova characterized the dual-citizenship process as a mere formality designed to minimize public appeals and contestations. She further alleged that the Moldovan populace firmly rejects these antipopular initiatives, which she claimed result in the loss of national independence and identity.
Government Rationale and Năsui’s Mandate
Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan announced Năsui’s upcoming swearing-in ceremony during a government session, according to Moldpres. Tofan defended the selection by highlighting Năsui’s experience in politics and the private financial sector, as well as his past tenure as economy minister in Romania.
Did you know? Claudiu Năsui previously served as the minister of economy in Romania and is a prominent member of the USR political party. He confirmed on Facebook that he will resign as a deputy in the Bucharest parliament to take up his new ministerial post in Chișinău.
Tofan emphasized that the nomination addresses structural economic problems requiring political courage. According to the prime minister, Năsui advocates for reduced state costs, lower taxes, and better-managed state-owned companies, aligning closely with the cabinet’s agenda.
Alongside Năsui, Tofan also proposed Eugeniu Osmochescu for the post of minister of Agriculture and Food Industry, shifting Năsui into the economic development and digitalization portfolio previously held by Osmochescu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Claudiu Năsui?
Claudiu Năsui is a Romanian politician and economist who previously served as Romania’s economy minister and as a deputy in the Bucharest parliament.
What position has Năsui taken in Moldova?
According to announcements by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan, Năsui is taking over as the minister of Economic Development and Digitalization in the Republic of Moldova.
How did Russia react to the appointment?
According to TASS, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zaharova criticized the appointment on Thursday, claiming Chișinău is handing over its economic sector to Bucharest.
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