The opposition in Moldova’s Parliament is demanding the resignation of Anatolie Nosatii following the death of a minor who was fatally shot while visiting a conscript at a military unit in southern Moldova. Representatives of the Socialist faction, the Alternativa bloc, and the Partidul Nostru faction made the calls.
Representatives of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova expressed condolences to the family and stated that preliminary information showed the shot was fired from a military weapon.
“We believe this tragedy directly resulted from the incompetence and negligence of the leadership of the Ministry of Defense of Moldova. While the authorities focus on militaristic rhetoric and expensive arms purchases, chaos prevails within the army. The Defense Minister must resign immediately and take responsibility for the death of an innocent child. (…) The Socialist Party is taking this case under its control. Our lawyers are ready to provide the victim’s family with all necessary legal assistance,” PSRM representatives stated.
Ion Chicu, a member of the Alternativa faction, referred to other incidents in which young servicemen died after suffering gunshot wounds from service weapons. According to him, Minister Anatolie Nosatii did not show remorse after previous tragedies.
“Once every three months, a young man dies in the National Army. The Defense Minister, who has no dignity, must resign. And if he has no shame, then the commander-in-chief — the president of the country — should act,” the politician said in a video published on social media.
Constantin Cuiumji, a deputy from the Partidul Nostru faction, also demanded the minister’s resignation and referred to similar tragedies that have occurred since the beginning of the year.
In addition to demanding the resignation of the Defense Minister, opposition representatives called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances of the tragedy.
“It is an immense tragedy that has deeply affected one family and the entire community. We extend sincere condolences to the parents and all loved ones. We understand the emotions and concerns within society. Moments like these require responsibility, balance, and respect for the family’s grief. Authorities will conduct a thorough investigation. If investigators identify violations or insufficient accountability, authorities must address them with full seriousness,” the government’s press service stated in response to the opposition’s comments.
The Ministry of Defense and the Presidential Administration had not responded at the time of publication.
On May 10, around 1:30 p.m., a 20-year-old contract soldier allegedly mishandled a Glock firearm in the presence of several people, including a minor visiting a military unit in Cahul. The incident injured an 18-year-old conscript, while the 16-year-old teenager died. Authorities initially reported cardiac arrest as the cause of death, but later stated that a bullet had penetrated the teenager’s body and caused the fatal injury. Law enforcement officers detained the person who fired the shot.