Vlad Batrincea said that the Socialists proposed summoning Maia Sandu to Parliament in her capacity as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces following the tragedy in Cahul. He made the statement during the program “7 zile.” According to the politician, authorities rejected the initiative, and the president did not appear for discussions.
Batrincea called on the head of state to express condolences to the family of the minor who died at the military unit in Cahul. He also argued that the armed forces lack “basic discipline.”
“I initiated parliamentary hearings with the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, President Maia Sandu. I said that I cannot understand the silence. I already understand the minister’s silence because he did not appear publicly during the first three days. But I cannot understand the silence of the Supreme Commander — this is already the ninth case, the ninth tragedy. I requested a hearing with Mrs. Sandu. I cannot understand why Mrs. Sandu comments on everything, even Eurovision. I proposed hearing her and giving her the opportunity to publicly express condolences to the family as well.
We wanted to know what concrete actions authorities took to provide support and assistance to families who suffered such losses. We also wanted to know what authorities will do in the future to prevent such cases and finally bring discipline. Every day we hear about the war at the border and the many problems we face, and we acknowledge these problems. We are constantly told that we must invest in the state’s defense capacity and institutions. But after such incidents, authorities cannot ensure even basic discipline. So, they rejected this hearing initiative. Maia Sandu did not appear in Parliament,” the Socialist deputy stated.
Representatives of the presidential administration’s press service told Realitatea that they had not received any such request.
Earlier, during an appearance on Realitatea TV, Maia Sandu said that authorities would take measures against those responsible for the Cahul tragedy once the investigation is completed. She also expressed compassion for the family of the teenager who died. At the same time, she suggested that she does not support dismissing Anatolie Nosatii from office.
“I extend my sincere condolences to the family of the deceased young man. As you already know, authorities launched an investigation, and once they establish the results and conclusions, they will take measures against those responsible. (…) On the other hand, I want to say that this minister has done more than all previous ministers over the past 30 years. He contributed to building an army capable of protecting citizens and to developing a defense system that works for the benefit of the country, not one that exists only formally without being effectively usable,” the president said during the program “Territory of Freedom.”
On May 10, gunfire erupted at a military unit in Cahul, injuring a serviceman and killing a young man. Initially, the Police said cardiac arrest caused the minor’s death, but later clarified that the teenager died from a gunshot wound.
Authorities opened a criminal case, while the Ministry of Defense launched an internal investigation to establish all circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
On May 12, authorities arrested the 20-year-old soldier suspected of firing the weapon for 30 days. Anatolie Nosatii previously stated that he does not intend to resign following the tragedy.