Stamate: 33,000 Lei for Their Own People, Whilst Cultural Workers Are Paid a Pittance

Olesea Stamate, a former PAS MP and founder of the Construim Încredere movement, has criticized the salary of a junior staff member at the Moldovan Ministry of Culture, claiming that high pay is reserved for “their own people”. Bogdan Zgherea, deputy chair of the PAS youth organization, was receiving around 33,000 lei a month, despite not having a university degree. “Exorbitant salaries for their own people. As usual. A young man – the deputy chair of the PAS youth organization – without a university degree is earning 33,000 lei a month at the Ministry of Culture,” said Olesea Stamate. She also addressed workers in the cultural sector who have relevant qualifications and many years’ experience, asking about their earnings. “Cultural workers across the country, with higher education and years of experience, how much do you earn?” noted Stamate. Earlier, there had been a public outcry over Bogdan Zgherea’s salary. Following discussions, the Minister of Culture, Cristian Jardan, announced the termination of his collaboration with Zgherea and stated that his contract would be terminated early.