The hearings and decision to dismiss the Governor of the National Bank of Moldova, Octavian Armaşu, took place very quickly, noted Svetlana Cerović, the Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Moldova, in a statement issued Friday. This, according to her, raises concerns about due process: proper and thorough professional and legal investigation and assessment.

“We stress that central bank independence is a key pillar of the IMF-supported program, along with strengthening governance and adherence to the rule of law. Demonstrating and preserving the independence of the National Bank of Moldova and continuing efforts to enhance governance and rule of law are therefore critical for the implementation of the program and the country’s economic stability”, declared Svetlana Cerović.

Octavian Armașu was dismissed by Parliament on Thursday evening with 81 votes. This came following parliamentary hearings on the progress of activities to recover the assets stolen in the 2014 bank fraud. Already on Friday, the PAS majority appointed to the post the Romanian economist and politician Anca-Dana Dragu, hours after she was granted the Moldovan citizenship.