Moldova to tighten rules on official foreign trips
Prime Minister of Moldova Vasile Tofan announced that the Government will tighten the rules on official trips abroad, arguing that while some visits are justified, others resemble "official tourism."
The statements were made at the beginning of the first meeting of the new Cabinet, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.
The Prime Minister said that the budgets allocated for foreign travel are large and that public funds need to be used more efficiently.
"Unfortunately, we have to admit that travel budgets are high. Some trips are justified because we need to be active, negotiate, take part in business delegations, and attract investors. Others, however, are more like tourism. We have to acknowledge that," the Prime Minister said.
Vasile Tofan stated that he has received numerous complaints about spending on foreign travel and announced that he will apply stricter standards when approving such trips.
"I learned today that all foreign visits must be approved by the Prime Minister. That is a good thing, and I will probably keep this practice. But I want to tell you that I will be much stricter when approving these visits," he said.
The Prime Minister also said that he plans to limit his own foreign travel, choosing instead to remain in Moldova and use remote communication tools for meetings that do not require physical attendance.
"I also intend to travel very little. First and foremost, I want to be here in Moldova. Even meetings with the business community can be held by phone or via Zoom. The world is modern today. Of course, I will occasionally need to travel, but I will try to keep those trips to a minimum," Vasile Tofan said.
According to the Prime Minister, reducing official travel is aimed not only at saving public money but also at ensuring that Government members spend more time working inside the country.
"It is not only about saving money, although that is important. I believe it is better for us to be here, in the country. We should be at home, not constantly on the road," the Prime Minister concluded.
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