Moldtelecom’s readjustment of tariffs is legal yet ill-timed, Valeriu Lazar

“From an economic point of view, the adjustment of Moldtelecom tariffs, whether we like it or not, is perfectly legal and 8 years late. However, politically, this is not the most appropriate time. We need to consider the economic perspectives that would assure Moldtelecom’s normal functioning and, at the same time, try to avoid putting too much pressure on consumers”, said vice prime minister and minister of economy, Valeriu Lazar, during a Publika TV show. “I asked Moldtelecom to take these things into consideration. I asked them, but I can’t oblige them”, he said. “It’s an operator functioning according to corporate management rules. Neither shareholders, nor the state can directly intervene in management issues. (…) Unfortunately, there are some ignorant people, who have been swarming around the prime minister and misinforming him. I have the feeling that we have to deal with a very dangerous alloy of amateurism, fanaticism, malevolence and impertinence, at fault for the current situation. If these boys had bothered to ask us, who understand the real situation, there would have been no need for such an epistolary exchange of remarks”. Valeriu Lazar explained he didn’t publish the letter sent on Wednesday to the prime minister because it was a technical one. “I don’t want to communicate with my direct superior through letters. I respect him as prime minister, I’m part of the team and I’m not going to question his authority. I prefer to speak directly to him. I’m waiting for him to return, because he has more experience and professional training to understand my explanation of what’s really going on”. “For us, the Democratic Party, the issue of prices is very sensitive and important”, the vice prime minister said. “We’ll have discussions on the topic within the party, that’s for sure. We must have similar discussion within the Alliance, because it’s worth it. I adhere to president Marian Lupu’s statement. These issues are too important and complex to be taken out of context and used as PR opportunities. Somebody’s trying to involve me in this circus and I’m doing my best to keep out”.