Victor Parlicov, recently dismissed as Minister of Energy, acknowledged Moldova is nearing an energy crisis but assured that the country will not run out of gas or electricity.
Speaking at a press conference at IPN, Parlicov explained that the crisis is externally driven and could occur if Gazprom refuses to fulfill its contractual obligations to supply gas to the left bank after January 1.
On the right bank, Parlicov stated there are no direct crisis indicators, though costs and energy supply mechanisms will undoubtedly be affected. He pointed out the ongoing war near Moldova’s borders, targeting the energy sector, impacts the stability of electricity supplies. However, he emphasized Moldova can navigate this period with support from external partners.
The dismissed minister highlighted significant achievements during his tenure, citing Moldova's top performance in the Energy Community's annual progress report. His team finalized the implementation of the Third Energy Package and advanced efforts to integrate Moldova’s energy transport system with Europe, including renewable energy exports. Parlicov noted these changes would bear fruit in coming years, with Moldova expected to become part of the European energy community, via Romania, by 2029.
Despite these advances, Parlicov admitted modest success on the informational front. He noted a failure to effectively communicate the benefits of these transformations, leaving the public vulnerable to external narratives.
Parlicov argued the issue of natural gas is exaggerated in public discourse, noting that 64% of Moldovan households rely on solid fuel for heating. He also attributed the failure to secure gas at favorable prices primarily to Energocom. During the January-April period, when gas prices were at their lowest, Energocom was selling gas to Moldovagaz rather than stockpiling it. Purchases were made only partially in April, and only for the shortfall volume.
According to Parlicov, Energocom should have purchased cheap gas on the market and supplied it to Moldovagaz at politically determined prices set by the Emergency Situations Commission (CSE). This approach would have significantly reduced gas storage costs. He noted he repeatedly requested the dismissal of Energocom head Victor Bînzari, but his calls were only acted upon recently.
Regarding his visit to St. Petersburg to discuss gas supplies for the left bank after January 1 with Gazprom officials, Parlicov said the visit was exploited to generate negative publicity. He alleged that the deliberate public disclosure of meeting minutes from August was intended to shift attention onto a topic undermining the Ministry of Energy and his leadership.
After his dismissal, Parlicov said he intends to remain in Moldova and continue contributing to the country’s prosperity and energy sector development.
His resignation was requested by Prime Minister Dorin Recean, who accused him of mistakes leading to the current energy crisis. Until a new minister is appointed, Recean will oversee the sector. Shortly after the request, President Maia Sandu signed the decree removing Parlicov from his post.
Victor Parlicov had been serving as Minister of Energy since February 2023, following the establishment of the Recean Government.
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