Prime minister-designate Vasile Tofan says his goal is to improve the lives of Moldovans after being nominated to lead the government. He pledged to restore public trust in state institutions, strengthen the economy, and improve cooperation between the business community and the government.
Tofan also said that one of his main objectives as the country’s next prime minister is to lead Moldova toward membership in the European Union.
“We cannot improve people’s lives unless we restart the economy. And the economy is not built in ministries or bureaucratic offices. It is built in the fields, on family farms, in factories, and in IT parks. (…) Politics, government, and business are all team sports. I will not achieve anything on my own.
I also want to address Moldova’s public servants. I know many of you may be concerned, including because of some not very successful comparisons I made in the past. But I want to send a clear message. (…) Everyone with integrity, everyone who is courageous, competent, and hardworking will always have an ally in me. Everything we do is aimed at making the lives of Moldovans better and bringing Moldova into the European Union as soon as possible. We have a great deal of work ahead of us. This is the opportunity of our generation, and I hope we will achieve it together,” Tofan said.
Tofan also revealed that he accepted the nomination because he felt guilty about previously declining the opportunity and because he has what he described as “an excessive sense of responsibility.”
Speaking to journalists, he added that he recently became the father of a baby who is only a few weeks old. He said his wife is not particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of him becoming prime minister but fully supports his decision.
The prime minister-designate now has 15 days to form a government, prepare its governing program, and seek a vote of confidence from Parliament. According to Tofan, the future cabinet will also include several new faces.