Claudiu Năsui accepts economy minister post in Moldova and resigns Romanian parliament seat

Cabinet appointment and cross-border move

Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan announced on Tuesday that Romanian member of parliament Claudiu Năsui will take over the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization. Năsui, a deputy representing the Save Romania Union (USR) party and a former Romanian economy minister, confirmed on Facebook that he accepted the invitation to join the cabinet in Chișinău. Taking up the ministerial portfolio requires Năsui to resign from his parliamentary seat in Bucharest. Tofan explained that the government seeks to turn the economy ministry into a primary driver of state reform and economic expansion. Năsui described the prime minister's objective as turning Moldova into an accommodating environment for entrepreneurs.

I chose to answer Mr. Tofan's invitation to join the Government of the Republic of Moldova, even if this step requires me to give up my deputy mandate in the Romanian Parliament and dedicate my experience to a new reform effort, meant to complete the process of liberalization and privatization started after the fall of communism.

Economic agenda and deregulation priorities

The incoming minister stated that wealth must be produced through market activity before the state can redistribute resources. Năsui emphasized that state intervention often worsens economic problems rather than solving them, stating that public administration at best merely manages systemic issues. According to Tofan, the portfolio priorities include dismantling administrative hurdles for small and medium-sized enterprises, restructuring state-owned enterprises, and reducing budget outlays. Năsui argued that while populism funded by taxpayers offers an easy path for politicians in power, structural discipline is needed to prevent long-term stagnation.

We want the Ministry of Economy to become one of the main engines of state reform and economic growth.

Professional background and political career

Năsui entered Romanian politics nearly ten years ago to advocate liberal economic principles, securing his first parliamentary mandate in 2016. Between 2020 and 2021, he served as Romania's Minister of Economy, focusing on fiscal transparency, reducing state bureaucracy, and curbing public-sector spending. Before his political career, Năsui completed economics studies at Paris-Dauphine University and finance studies at Bocconi University, earned a CFA charter, and worked in the financial sector at PricewaterhouseCoopers and Banca Comercială Română. He also established Open Budget, a civic platform designed to disclose details of public spending. Tofan noted that this background in financial markets and public policy prepares Năsui to confront long-standing structures and privileges.

Broader cabinet reshuffle and European integration

Alongside the economic portfolio, Tofan announced a second cabinet modification by naming Eugeniu Osmochescu to lead the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry. The prime minister affirmed that Osmochescu already understands government procedures and current policy commitments, taking charge of a strategic sector for Moldova. Tofan stated that these executive changes align with the cabinet's inaugural pledge to keep the economy at the centre of its mandate. He noted that the appointments aim to enhance administrative efficiency and expand room for private enterprise. Năsui concluded that building a more prosperous Moldovan economy will also reinforce ties with Romania and aid Moldova's convergence with the European Union.