Former minister of defense Vitalie Marinuta announced his decision to join the Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM). The announcement was made after Marinuta met with the chairman of the PDM Marian Lupu, with whom he discussed possibilities of developing the country’s defense capacities and the living conditions of servicemen, IPN reports.

After the meeting, Vitalie Marinuta told the reporters that he sent a letter concerning the defense-related problems and the living conditions of servicemen and war veterans to parties and only the PDM reacted. “I was impressed by the Democratic leader’s interest in the addressed problems,” he said.

The former minister also said that he always looked for a team that would allow him to contribute to the country’s development. “I first though that the Liberal Reformist Party was such a team, but I left it when I realized that it follows a wrong path. The PLR died before being born and many of its members are looking for other teams. I decided to join the PDM, which has a team of professionals who aim to develop the country. I think I can achieve my goal to strengthen the defense sector of Moldova as part of this team,” stated Vitalie Marinuta.

Though he joined the PDM, Marinuta said he will only monitor the election campaign and will not take part in it. He noted he didn’t negotiate posts with the Democratic leader.

Vitalie Marinuta was minister of defense representing the Liberal Party in 2009-2014.