Secretary General of the Government Alexei Buzu said the Moldovan government will launch a review of consultancy contracts concluded by the State Chancellery and government ministries, following a request from President Maia Sandu amid controversy over the remuneration of certain consultants.
According to Buzu, every consultancy contract is based on clearly defined terms of reference and specific objectives, while consultants are hired only when there is a justified need for their services.
“Within the State Chancellery and the ministries, we have procedures for cooperating with various development partners. Every consultancy contract is initiated on the basis of terms of reference, and the person to be hired has clearly defined responsibilities, provided there is a genuine need. These contracts are temporary,” Buzu said.
He added that the government would assess the existing contracts in response to the President’s request.
“We have heard the President’s request very clearly, and we will begin an assessment to determine whether any risks exist,” the Secretary General said.
The statements come after reports emerged that Anastasia Taburceanu, a cousin of President Maia Sandu, received a consultancy contract worth approximately €4,000 per month while also serving as communications adviser at MoldATSA, where she reportedly earned €6,000 per month.
The Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova has confirmed that Taburceanu was employed under a Reform Support Team contract between October 2024 and June 2026, providing communications support to the State Chancellery and the Prime Minister’s Office before resigning in June 2026.