President Nicolae Timofti said he is waiting for Prime Minister Iurie Leanca to designate candidates for the post of Minister of Defense. This position is a political one and the absence of a designated minister does not pose threats to the country’s security, even if the regional situation is uncertain, IPN reports.

The head of state accused former Minister of Defense Vitalie Marinuta of lack of dignity as he said after resigning that he decided to resign because the President is against certain reforms in the army. “I’m in favor of reforms and accept any proposal that is for the country’s benefit. In that meeting, I, as the supreme commandeer, spoke about the negative phenomena in the army,” he stated.

He added that when two guns were stolen from the army’s depots, the minister of defense informed him about this after he found out from other sources already. He also reminded about the desertion of four soldiers.

Asked about the rumored candidate for post of minister of defense – constitutional expert Vitalie Catana, the head of state said he does not know him personally and is waiting for the Premier’s proposal.

Vitalie Marinuta resigned two weeks ago, arguing that the head of state criticized the Ministry’s reformation views and asked transferring a part of the powers from the civil minister to the commander of the armed forces.