Former Democratic Party (PDM) leader Vladimir Plahotniuc has rejected allegations by Parliament Speaker and PAS leader Igor Grosu that integrity scandals involving members of the ruling party are part of a smear campaign allegedly coordinated by Plahotniuc from Prison No. 13.
In a message published from prison, Plahotniuc mocked the accusations, sarcastically suggesting that he had supposedly orchestrated the falsification of CVs, secured well-paid public positions for PAS associates, and arranged for them to receive salaries from both the state and European-funded projects.
“I understood from the news that I have once again committed another act of ‘heroism.’ Apparently, I organized a large-scale diversion, convincing PAS relatives and associates to falsify their CVs, obtain lucrative positions, receive millions from both the state and European funds, and not even show up for work,” Plahotniuc wrote.
The former PDM leader described the allegations against him as “absurd” and accused PAS of trying to shift responsibility for its internal problems.
He also claimed that the ruling party has built its political narrative on accusations against him since it was in opposition.
“PAS has built its entire politics on lies. From the very beginning, while in opposition, the same PAS representatives invented accusations and attributed them to me,” he said.
Plahotniuc also referred to the state-owned company Metal Feros, arguing that it had generated annual profits of between 40 million and 60 million lei during the PDM administration but that its financial performance had declined after PAS came to power.
He further accused the government of lacking transparency and alleged that high salaries paid to individuals linked to PAS at state-owned enterprises were being concealed from the public.
Last week, Igor Grosu said that recent integrity controversies involving PAS members were part of a coordinated campaign aimed at discrediting the ruling party and alleged that it was being directed by Plahotniuc.
Plahotniuc is currently being held at Prison No. 13 in Chișinău after being sentenced in April 2026 to 19 years in prison in the case known as the “Bank Fraud.” The verdict is not final and can be appealed.