Dodon: Moldova can pay off its gas debt only at the expense of the state budget or an increase in tariffs 
on how the country can pay off its debt to Russia for gas. He stated this on the air of the TV channel NTV Moldova, RIA Novosti reports.
According to him, the current debts of Chisinau can be partially covered by the state budget, and partially by citizens. Nevertheless, the historical debt, which amounts to about $ 700 million, can be returned only in two ways: either the Moldovan authorities will transfer the money to the Moldovagaz company from external or internal sources, or it will have to be paid off by raising prices. The former head of state stressed that Moldova's internal resources will not be enough to pay off the debt.
Earlier, Dodon said that the new gas tariff for the country was the highest in the last 30 years. According to him, such prices will be a disaster for the country's economy and population. The ex-head of state stressed that in the current situation, without any compensation, residents of Moldova will not be able to pay such a tariff. Heating prices and electricity prices will rise in the near future, he added.
Moldova is facing an energy crisis due to a contract with Gazprom that ended in October. The republic wanted to conclude a new agreement on favorable terms, but the supplier demanded that the debt be paid first. On October 29, the country still managed to agree with Gazprom to conclude a contract for five years, subject to an audit of debts in 2022. Gazprom called the terms of the agreement mutually beneficial.