Dodon on Measures Amid Moldova’s State of Emergency: “Talk to Mr Lavrov”

Socialist Party leader Igor Dodon proposed an urgent three-point plan to support citizens following the introduction of the state of emergency and said the government should resign if PAS obstructs the implementation of these initiatives. Dodon specifically addressed public-sector salaries: “Cap the salaries of all civil servants and employees of state-owned enterprises at 25,000-30,000 lei per month. Submit this decision to Parliament, and we will support it. All the money saved should go toward compensation for citizens,” rupor.md reports. The politician named the abolition of VAT and excise duties on gas, electricity, petrol and diesel fuel as the second urgent measure. In addition, he said that while in New York for the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan should negotiate with all possible partners, “including Mr Lavrov,” to find alternative energy suppliers. At the end, the PSRM leader addressed the government: “If the ‘yellows’ do not let you work in the interests of the people, and I think PAS will not allow you to dismantle their schemes, resign and clear the way for early elections as soon as possible.” On September 22, Parliament approved the government’s proposal to introduce a 60-day state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors, starting September 26, 2026. Tofan stressed that the measure is preventive and is being introduced in response to a range of threats, including rising gas prices amid the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, critically low water levels in the Dniester and Prut rivers, risks to diesel fuel supplies, and electricity shortages caused by attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure. The opposition opposed the initiative, but the parliamentary majority backed the introduction of the state of emergency. Tofan also announced plans to streamline the public administration: the government intends to cut staffing levels by 10-30% at 161 publicly funded institutions employing a combined total of around 52,000 people. The prime minister said the savings would be directed toward compensation for citizens.