“It is a responsible, even courageous decision because by this decision the governor assumes responsibility for the situation in the whole banking sector, not only at the three banks that are under liquidation,” Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet said, commenting on the decision of the National Bank governor Dorin Dragutanu to tender his resignation, IPN reports.
In a press briefing, the Premier said that for now this decision does not produce effects as particular terms must be respected, even if the resignation was submitted. “Thus, the responsibility for supervising the banking sector will be further borne by the governor and the team that administers the National Bank,” stated Valeriu Strelet.
He noted the moment when the resignation was offered arouses questions given that an IMF mission is to come to Chisinau. “We communicated with the local representatives of the IMF and told them that Mister Dragutanu will continue to work and will enjoy the same powers as earlier because particular procedures must be observed until this post is held on an interim basis. Surely, this resignation can affect the negotiations with the IMF, but the governmental team is fully ready for these talks,” said the Prime Minister.
As to the pressure exerted on the central bank invoked by Dorin Dragutanu, Valeriu Strelet said it’s normal for the Government to be concerned about the problems faced in the banking sector and this cannot be described as interference in the activity of the National Bank.
As regards the negotiations with the U. S. company Kroll, which is to conduct the second part of the investigation into the banking frauds, the Premier said these were held last week and a relevant contract will be most probably signed in the near future. If the governor renounces his powers, this could lead to a delay in the signing of the contract and in the investigation process.
The governor of the National Bank of Moldova Dorin Dragutanu tendered his resignation on September 21. He said that vice governor Marin Molosag resigns together with him.
