Moldova Changes Agriculture Minister Amid Drought and Farmers’ Protests

The government of Moldova, led by Prime Minister Natalia Gravrilita, on Friday carried out its first reshuffle, almost a year after taking office, appointing former deputy head of the pro-Western Action and Solidarity Party, PAS, Vladimir Bolea, as Agriculture Minister.

Bolea's appointment comes amid serious problems in the sector, hit by drought and rising prices. Previously, he was chairman of the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Food Industry in parliament.

Moldova is facing a severe drought, and farmers have protested also against rising fuel prices.

Until now, the Agriculture Minister was Viorel Gherciu. The opposition Socialists and Communists launched a motion of censure in parliament against him on June 2, without it being voted.

On Thursday, the government approved compensation for excise duty on diesel used by farmers up to 100 per cent, or 2,980 lei for a ton of diesel [about 150 euros]. Large agricultural enterprises will receive compensation of 30 per cent, or 894 lei, per ton.

The decision follows protests by farmers about rising diesel prices. A fund covering the reimbursement of excise duty for agricultural producers will amount to 320 million lei [about 16 million euros].

At the same time, the state will pay the excise duty on diesel for all livestock farms in full. Those who seek compensation may receive up to 200,000 lei annually [about 10,000 euros], which is double the previous amount.

After the farmer's protests, Moldova on June 21 unblocked exports of wheat and flour exports, banned in March after the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the declaration of a state of emergency.

Bolea is vice president of the Action and Solidarity Party and has over 20 years' experience in...