Farmers' Force Association of Moldova proposes Alexandru Slusari to head Agriculture Ministry; government's reaction

Alexandru Slusari has been proposed for the position of Agriculture and Food Industry Minister by the association he leads, Farmers’ Force. The association’s today members made a public appeal to Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.

Representatives of the organization emphasize that the swift appointment of a new minister is necessary, in order to ensure the continuity of the government’s work and the efficient leadership of the institution responsible for agricultural policy.

“Given his professional experience, managerial skills and irreproachable reputation in his field of activity, our organization believes that Mr. Alexandru Slusari meets all necessary qualities to exercise with professionalism and responsibility the position of Agriculture and Food Industry Minister. At present, he holds the position of executive director of the Farmers’ Force public association, where he coordinates the organization’s activity and represents the interests of farmers in dialogue with public authorities, international organizations and development partners,” the public appeal reads.

Following the submitted proposal, The government spokesperson, Dumitru Ciorici, noted that “any relevant association can come forward with proposals in this regard.”

“The prime minister will analyze all options and will later make a decision,” he added.

Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Radu Musteata submitted his resignation request this morning. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.

In recent days, information has appeared in the public space, according to which Radu Musteata had previously been a member of the former Democratic Party of Moldova led by Vladimir Plahotniuc, with a photograph being published in which Musteata is allegedly receiving his party membership card.

In a message posted on social media, Radu Musteata said that the cabinet had to implement, in the coming period, a string of important and difficult reforms, and that, in order to maintain citizens’ trust, he considered it an act of responsibility to resign from office.