The reasons behind the rapid rise of 21-year-old Bogdan Zgheria—who has no relevant higher education yet worked at Moldova’s Ministry of Culture earning approximately 33,000 lei per month—may be becoming clearer.
Zgheria himself has attributed his success to the wide range of responsibilities he handled within the ministry, claiming to have worked simultaneously on infrastructure, payroll issues, event organization, funding programs, strategic planning, budgeting, and other projects.
Modesty, however, does not appear to be among his defining qualities. Recent political scandals in Moldova have shown that exceptional talent or extraordinary work ethic are not necessarily prerequisites for rapid appointments. Having a highly placed relative, a longtime friend, or a romantic partner in the right position can prove just as effective.
The Telegram channel Netipichnaya Moldova drew attention to Marcela Nistor, the State Secretary at the Ministry of Culture. Although she is eleven years older than Zgheria, their career paths have repeatedly intersected.
Zgheria first appeared in Parliament as an assistant to PAS MP Anna Calinici, who was reportedly a close associate of Nistor, then also a member of Parliament. After Calinici left Parliament, Nistor—an actress by profession with extensive connections at the Ministry of Culture—is said to have helped secure Zgheria’s position there. Nistor herself later became State Secretary at the ministry. Another notable coincidence is that Zgheria eventually succeeded Nistor as deputy chair of PAS’s youth organization.
According to unnamed sources cited by Netipichnaya Moldova, the relationship between Nistor and Zgheria allegedly extended beyond professional and political cooperation. The publication suggests that the two were romantically involved. These allegations have not been independently verified.
The report also notes that Nistor had previously participated in LGBT pride events and publicly displayed related symbols. At the same time, it raises questions about the timing of Zgheria’s career advancement, pointing out that it began while he was still in secondary school and had not yet reached the age of majority.
The Ministry of Culture responded swiftly to the controversy. Minister Andrei Jardan announced that Zgheria’s employment would end immediately rather than continue until the expiration of his contract in September.
“We agreed to end our cooperation today, before the contract expires. Under that agreement, payments would otherwise have continued through the end of September,” Jardan said.
Critics argue that dismissing an employee who allegedly did not meet the legal qualification requirements is only part of the issue. They say the more important question is whether officials responsible for hiring and promoting him will also be held accountable. Given that Zgheria’s public-sector career reportedly began while he was still a minor, observers suggest that further scrutiny could raise additional questions.
