President of Suceava County Council, Gheorghe ȘOLDAN, at the opening of FERM 2025: “We cannot talk about the future without infrastructure, without investments, and without political courage”

Speech by the President of Suceava County Council at the opening of the Moldova 2025 Regional Economic Forum – a call for unity and concrete action for Moldova’s development

The opening of the Moldova 2025 Regional Economic Forum brought to the forefront the realities, challenges, and development directions of Romania’s most neglected historical region – Moldova. In a balanced and determined speech, President of the Suceava County Council, Gheorghe Șoldan, delivered a powerful message on the need for strategic investments, the current fiscal realities, and the region’s future within the European and international context.

Realism and responsibility in the face of economic challenges

“These days, it’s more complicated to talk about administration and politics, especially after a new package of fiscal measures,” stated Gheorghe Șoldan, calling for honesty in front of representatives of the administration, the business community, and international partners present at the event.

The President of Suceava County Council criticized the unbalanced way in which the current economic situation is presented: “There’s a lot of talk about the deficit, but too little about the fact that last year we had the highest investments in Romania’s history. Highways are being built – 400 km in three years. The A7 highway is included in the NRRP, but 40% is financed from the state budget.”

Gheorghe Șoldan also emphasized that the recent government measures could seriously affect the business environment: “We shouldn’t have increased VAT. We shouldn’t have blocked the real estate market. The economy must not be stalled. If we block investments today, the consequences will be even harsher in the years to come.”

County administration reform – efficiency and savings

On the administrative side, Gheorghe Șoldan presented concrete results in the process of streamlining the administrative apparatus:
“We saved 25 million lei in four months from the County Council’s own apparatus. Out of 222 budgeted positions, only 176 are currently filled. The reform has not yet begun – we have real room for modernization.”

The County Council President also announced the continuation of the reform at the level of subordinate institutions, focusing on performance, transparency, and efficient use of public resources.

Free zone and Suceava Airport development – strategic priorities

A key point of the speech was the presentation of strategic economic infrastructure projects: “We have taken all necessary steps to create a free zone in Suceava County, near a modernized airport prepared for cargo traffic. We cannot talk about economic development without an active economic area around the airport.”

The modernization of Suceava Airport is already underway, with support from the European Investment Bank: “We will have a new airport – 10,000 sqm, a parking lot three times larger, and an active economic zone. It is an investment of approximately 60 million euros.”

Major road infrastructure projects – a new stage in regional connectivity

The President of Suceava County Council detailed the status of major road projects, essential for connecting Moldova to the rest of the country and to European transport networks:

• Gura Humorului Bypass: “We took over the project at the County Council, and we’ll launch the tender ourselves. 200 million euros for a first section, in a reduced-profile format, just like the Poles did. Later, it will be upgraded to a highway.”

• Fălticeni Bypass: the technical studies are nearly completed, and the project – estimated at 120 million euros – will soon be put out to tender.

• A7 Highway, Pașcani–Suceava section: “We’ve had a designated winner since April, but the Ministry of Finance is blocking contract signing. Moldova can’t wait any longer. We will join forces with other County Council Presidents in the region and assert our position.”

Tourism – an underexploited driver

Șoldan also pointed out the untapped tourism potential of Bucovina: “A tourist spends, on average, 2.1 nights in Bucovina. Unacceptable. We have a blessed land, hardworking people, unique traditions and beauties. But we do more electoral tourism than real tourism.”

An important project announced is the takeover of the Cacica mine for tourism purposes: “We have submitted the documentation to the Ministry of Economy for the takeover. We want to invest and turn this site into a major tourist attraction.”

A call for unity, patience, and concrete action

In conclusion, Gheorghe Șoldan’s message was one of mobilization and confidence: “We cannot talk about economic development without infrastructure. We cannot bring young people back home if we offer them poor roads and lack of opportunities. It’s time to assert ourselves more firmly, to be more united. Moldova is capable of much more.”

The speech delivered by Gheorghe Șoldan at the opening of the Moldova 2025 Regional Economic Forum stood out as a firm call for clarity, action, and political and administrative responsibility. In a tense economic context, marked by fiscal changes and budgetary uncertainties, the President of Suceava County Council reaffirmed the importance of strategic investments, modern infrastructure, and a reformed administration to transform Moldova from a neglected region into a real development hub. Through the announced projects and his committed stance, Gheorghe Șoldan outlines a clear direction: Moldova must claim its rightful place on the map of major national decisions.