Official: PAS Nominates Victoria Belous for Chisinau Mayor

The municipal branch of Moldova’s ruling PAS party has officially nominated Victoria Belous as its candidate for mayor of Chisinau. The announcement appeared on the party’s official social media pages.

The decision did not come as a surprise. Shortly after PAS dropped its initial choice, Stăuceni mayor Alexandru Vornicu, Belous congratulated residents of the capital on their local patron saint’s feast day.

She was the only minister in Toofan’s government to make such a public gesture. She had not done so in previous years either. As a result, many observers suspected that the message was part of a political campaign. Now, the nomination appears to confirm those suspicions.

Victoria Belous: From Tax Inspector to Finance Minister

Belous began her career as a young tax inspector. She then spent 17 years working in the tax authorities.

The article takes a critical view of her professional record. It argues that her long career in tax administration taught her one main skill: collecting money from taxpayers. According to the author, she carried this approach into her role as finance minister.

Most of her major initiatives in government, the article claims, focused on raising taxes and reducing public spending.

Here is what the PAS mayoral candidate is said to have focused on during her time as finance minister:

• Higher taxes and new fees. She raised several taxes and introduced new ones, including the controversial tax on parcels arriving from abroad. The government justified these measures by promising higher salaries for public-sector workers. However, teachers are still waiting for the promised pay increases, the author argues.
• Changes to the social insurance system. Belous proposed reviewing social insurance policy. The financial burden on the system continues to grow each year. The government is reluctant to raise the retirement age. Therefore, the author suggests that the proposed changes could lead to lower pensions or higher pension contributions.
• Stricter criteria for social assistance. She also proposed changing the criteria used to determine social vulnerability. Critics fear that this could reduce the number of households eligible for heating compensation.
• Less state support for farmers. Farmers are struggling with drought and competition from Ukrainian producers. Instead of offering more government assistance, Belous reportedly advised them to invest in business models that deliver results.

Does Belous Understand Chisinau Residents’ Problems?

The article also questions Belous’s understanding of the financial pressures facing ordinary residents.

According to the author, the mayoral candidate believes that people in Chisinau are doing well. She has reportedly explained the sharp rise in property prices by pointing to the high salaries earned by city residents.

However, rising property prices do not necessarily mean that most residents can afford to buy a home.

The author ends with a sarcastic remark. He suggests that Belous may already be considering what else can be taken from Chisinau residents and redistributed.

Her nomination now sets the stage for a political debate over taxes, social benefits, housing costs, and the future of the capital.