Prominent figures from medicine, sports sectors join team of Moldova's Action and Solidarity Party

Rector of the Medicine University Emil Ceban, an Olympic silver medalist, Anastasia Nichita, and a former footballer, Maxim Potarniche, are running on the list of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) in the parliamentary elections due on September 28. PAS leader Igor Grosu has made statements to this effect at a news conference.

Igor Grosu said that the three personalities had ruled to collectively contribute to the country's European future.

“I sincerely thank you for accepting this challenge. I know that each of us has our responsibilities, our profession, everyday life. But, as the situation demands, and it is clear that we are talking about a special moment—a historical situation for our country—you have decided to get involved. It is a courageous step, important not only for today, but for our entire society,” Grosu said.

Emil Ceban, Rector of the Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy (USMF), announced that he would support the development of medical education and the national health system, advocating for infrastructure’s modernization, stopping the exodus of specialists and aligning the medical education with European standards.

“As the Rector of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, I strongly believe that Moldova can build a sustainable and prosperous future only within the great European family. The European integration provides us today with essential opportunities for the modernization and strengthening of our society, including the deep transformation of the national health system. Our primary goal is to align the medical education and research with the highest standards of European excellence. This entails investments in modern educational resources, the development of high-performing research infrastructure and access to advanced technologies and state-of-the-art scientific evidence—for students, educators, researchers and practitioners. At the same time, we are aiming for the accelerated internationalization of higher education through strategic partnerships, academic mobility programmes and constant updating of the University’s curriculum, in accordance with European requirements and standards. Integrating into the European area of education, research and innovation will allow us not only to practice medicine at the highest level, but also to actively contribute to the development of European medical sciences. For our graduates, the recognition of their diplomas throughout the European Union is a major goal—a significant step towards appreciating their work and preparation. Secondly, we are talking about the development of the national health system and the modernization of professional training for specialists. Excellence in medical education is the foundation of a strong, resilient and equitable health system. Moreover, coherent human resource development policy in health and education is essential. This means not only training new specialists, but also improvement of doctors, pharmacists and other professionals, in accordance with European standards, under European conditions. One of the pressing objectives is to reduce the exodus of young specialists. We want to provide competitive working conditions, attractive programmes, so that they choose to stay home—to work for our people, in our communities, in Moldova. Thirdly, we aim to modernize the medical infrastructure and develop health services. It is vital to continue investments in hospitals across the country, so that every citizen can benefit from quality, accessible and modern medical services—a truly European medicine. In conclusion, supporting the European path is not just a political option—it is a pragmatic strategy essential for the prosperity and modernization of Moldova. I am convinced that, through joint efforts, political will and a clear vision, we will succeed in transforming the educational and health systems into engines of European development, for the benefit of our citizens,” said Ceban.

Anastasia Nichita, Olympic silver medalist in freestyle wrestling and multi-world and European champion, spoke emotionally about the difficulties she faced as a sportswoman. Nichita said she wanted to contribute to the modernization of sports in Moldova.

“Dear people of Moldova, esteemed supporters of sports, I speak to you today not from a political platform, but from the position of a fighter. A fighter who has dedicated her life to sports, who has felt firsthand what sacrifice, renunciation, pain and the joy of victory mean. I am an Olympic silver medalist in freestyle wrestling, a multiple European and world champion and the first woman from Moldova, in order to bring home an Olympic medal in wrestling. But beyond the medals, I carry in my heart the story of a long and difficult journey. I am a simple girl, from the countryside. I grew up with shortages, without infrastructure, often without support—but never without will. I worked for years on worn-out mats, with old equipment and modest conditions. I fell, I got up, I was defeated and triumphed. And during all this time, I never forgot Moldova. Because I know that our country deserves more. And its sportspeople deserve more. That is why, I accepted the invitation of the president and decided to get actively involved in public life, running on the list of the Action and Solidarity Party. Moldova needs continuity and a faster pace in everything that means the development of sports. And who can better understand the real needs of sportspeople, young people, parents, and coaches than someone who has gone through all stages of this journey? I have no political experience. But I have the real-life experience of a sportswoman in Moldova. I know what a well-organized training camp means. I know what European infrastructure looks like. And I want that, in the coming years, we have such conditions here, at home—for our children, for our future. Together, we can positively change the face of Moldovan sports,” Nichita added.

Maxim Potarniche, a former national football team player and journalism graduate, announced that he was entering politics to fight against mediocrity and corruption.

“I was not born a politician, but I can no longer stand aside when lies and incompetence decide our future. I want a European Moldova, without thieves and opportunists,” Potarniche opined.

The parliamentary elections are scheduled for September 28, 2025. Maestro Nicolae Botgros, journalist Constantin Cheianu, and former ministers Nicu Popescu and Marcel Spatari have earlier announced that they would be on the PAS list.