Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration, Valeriu Chiveri, has rejected claims from Tiraspol that the Convergence Fund could deprive vulnerable residents on the left bank of the Dniester of financial support.
According to Chiveri, assistance to vulnerable groups is already being provided, although the fund itself has not yet become operational.
The official said the fund’s resources would be used exclusively to support citizens and implement projects in the Transnistrian region. He stressed that the money would not be transferred to the self-proclaimed authorities in Tiraspol.
“The fund will be formed through tax payments from individuals and legal entities carrying out economic activities in the Transnistrian region. Additional sources of financing are also being considered, including voluntary contributions and resources directed by international partners.
Attracting external financing will significantly expand the scope of projects and ensure more tangible results for the residents of the region. Who will benefit from the fund’s resources? First and foremost, those who are most in need of support. These include socially vulnerable groups, the general population, people with disabilities, pensioners and families with children,” Chiveri said.
The fund’s resources will also be used to provide assistance to victims of human rights violations in the region, as well as to students studying in the right-bank part of Moldova.
Chiveri said the financial resources would be distributed through authorized government agencies.