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{{Short description|Prime Minister of Moldova from 2009 to 2013}}
{{redirect|Filat}}
{{redirect|Filat}}
{{BLP sources|date=October 2011}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Vladimir Filat
| name = Vlad Filat
| image = File:Vlad Filat 2010-09-15.jpg
| image = Vlad Filat 2023.png
| caption = Filat in 2023
| office = Leader of the [[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova|Liberal Democratic Party]]
| president =
| office = 8th [[Prime Minister of Moldova]]
| president = [[Mihai Ghimpu]] (acting)<br/>Himself (acting)<br/>[[Marian Lupu]] (acting)<br/>[[Nicolae Timofti]]
| term_start = 16 August 2020
| term_end = 29 April 2021
| deputy = {{Collapsible list
| title=''See list''
| predecessor = [[Tudor Deliu]]
| successor =
| [[Iurie Leancă]]
| office1 =
| [[Valeriu Lazăr]]
| [[Victor Osipov]]
| term_start1 = 8 December 2007
| term_end1 = 27 May 2016
| [[Ion Negrei]]
| [[Eugen Carpov]]
| predecessor1 =
| successor1 = [[Viorel Cibotaru]]
| [[Mihai Moldovanu]]
}}
| termstart = 25 September 2009
| termend = 25 April 2013
| predecessor = [[Vitalie Pîrlog]] (acting)
| successor = [[Iurie Leancă]]
| office1 = Acting [[President of Moldova]]
| termstart1 = 28 December 2010
| termend1 = 30 December 2010
| primeminister1 = Himself
| president1 =
| predecessor1 = Mihai Ghimpu (acting)
| successor1 = Marian Lupu (acting)
| office2 = President of the [[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova|Liberal Democratic Party]]
| termstart2 = 2 July 2023
| termend2 =
| predecessor2 = [[Iulian David]] (acting)
| term_start3 = 16 August 2020
| term_end3 = 29 April 2021
| predecessor3 = [[Tudor Deliu]]
| successor3 = Iulian David (acting)
| term_start4 = 8 December 2007
| term_end4 = 27 May 2016
| successor4 = [[Viorel Cibotaru]]
| office5 = [[Cabinet of Moldova|Minister of State]]
| president5 = [[Petru Lucinschi]]
| primeminister5 = [[Ion Sturza]]
| termstart5 = 12 March 1999
| termend5 = 21 December 1999
| predecessor5 = [[Nicolae Cernomaz]]
| successor5 = [[Victor Bodiu]] (2009)
| office6 = Member of the [[Moldovan Parliament]]
| termstart6 = 9 December 2014
| termend6 = 15 December 2016
| successor6 = [[Simion Grișciuc]]
| parliamentarygroup6 = [[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova|Liberal Democratic Party]]
| termstart7 = 24 December 2010
| termend7 = 14 February 2011
| successor7 = [[Elena Frumosu]]
| parliamentarygroup7 = [[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova|Liberal Democratic Party]]
| termstart8 = 17 March 2005
| termend8 = 25 September 2009
| successor8 = [[Ivan Ionaș]]
| parliamentarygroup8 = [[Electoral Bloc Democratic Moldova|Democratic Moldova Electoral Bloc]]<br/>[[Democratic Party of Moldova|Democratic Party]]<br/>[[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova|Liberal Democratic Party]]
| birth_name = Vladimir Filat
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|5|6|df=yes}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|5|6|df=yes}}
| birth_place = [[Lăpușna, Hîncești|Lăpușna]], [[Soviet Union]]<br />{{small|(now [[Moldova]])}}
| birth_place = [[Lăpușna, Hîncești|Lăpușna]], [[Moldavian SSR]], [[Soviet Union]]<br />{{small|(now [[Moldova]])}}
| citizenship = {{MDA}}<br />{{ROM}}
| citizenship = {{MDA}}<br />{{ROM}}
| party = [[Democratic Party of Moldova|Democratic Party]] {{small|(1997–2007)}}<br />[[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova|Liberal Democratic Party]] {{small|(2007–2016), (2020-present}}
| party = [[Democratic Party of Moldova|Democratic Party]] {{small|(1997–2007)}}<br />[[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova|Liberal Democratic Party]] {{small|(2007–2016), (2020–present)}}
| otherparty = [[Alliance for Democracy and Reforms]] {{small|(1998–1999)}}<br />[[Alliance for European Integration]] {{small|(2009–present)}}
| otherparty = [[Alliance for Democracy and Reforms]] {{small|(1998–1999)}}<br />[[Alliance for European Integration]] {{small|(2009–present)}}
| spouse = Sanda Filat {{small|(Divorced 2012)}}<br />Angela Gonța {{small|(2014–2016)}}
| spouse = Sanda Filat {{small|(Divorced 2012)}}<br />Angela Gonța {{small|(2014–2016)}}
| children = 3
| children = 3
| alma_mater = [[Alexandru Ioan Cuza University|University of Iași]]
| alma_mater = [[Alexandru Ioan Cuza University|University of Iași]]
| office2 = Member of the [[Moldovan Parliament]]
| president2 =
| predecessor2 =
| termstart2 = 9 December 2014
| termend2 = 15 December 2016
| office3 =
| office4 =
| termstart3 = 24 December 2010
| termend3 = 11 February 2011
| successor3 = [[Elena Frumosu]]
| predecessor3 =
| successor2 = [[Simion Grișciuc]]
| termstart4 = 17 March 2005
| termend4 = 25 September 2009
| president4 =
| primeminister4 =
| predecessor4 =
| president3 =
| successor4 = [[Ivan Ionaș]]
| office5 = 8th [[Prime Minister of Moldova]]
| president5 = [[Mihai Ghimpu]] (acting)<br/>[[Marian Lupu]] (acting)<br/>[[Nicolae Timofti]]
| primeminister5 =
| termstart5 = 25 September 2009
| termend5 = 25 April 2013
| predecessor5 = [[Vitalie Pîrlog]] (acting)
| successor5 = [[Iurie Leancă]]
| deputy3 =
| parliamentarygroup =
| parliamentarygroup1 =
| parliamentarygroup2 = [[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova|Liberal Democratic Party]]
| office6 = Acting [[President of Moldova]]
| termstart6 = 28 December 2010
| termend6 = 30 December 2010
| predecessor6 = [[Mihai Ghimpu]] (acting)
| successor6 = [[Marian Lupu]] (acting)
| primeminister6 = Himself
| office7 = [[Cabinet of Moldova|Minister of State]]
| termstart7 = 12 March 1999
| termend7 = 21 December 1999
| primeminister7 = [[Ion Sturza]]
| president7 = [[Petru Lucinschi]]
| predecessor7 = [[Nicolae Cernomaz]]
| successor7 = [[Victor Bodiu]] (2009)
| parliamentarygroup3 = [[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova|Liberal Democratic Party]]
| parliamentarygroup4 = [[Electoral Bloc Democratic Moldova|Democratic Moldova Electoral Bloc]]<br/>[[Democratic Party of Moldova|Democratic Party]]<br/>[[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova|Liberal Democratic Party]]
}}
}}


'''Vladimir Filat''' (born 6 May 1969), commonly referred to as '''Vlad Filat''' ({{IPA-ro|vlad fiˈlat|pron}}), is a Moldovan businessman and politician, founder of [[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova]]. He was the [[Prime Minister of Moldova]] from 25 September 2009 to 25 April 2013. He also was appointed as the [[Presidents of Moldova|Interim President]] of Moldova for a brief period of time in 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://unimedia.info/stiri/-13413.html | title=Guvernul Filat a fost investit cu votul a 53 de deputaţi AIE. Şeful SIS a fos demis de către Parlament. Noul director este Mihai Gheorghe | date=2009-09-25 | access-date=2013-05-10}}</ref>
'''Vladimir Filat''' (born 6 May 1969), commonly referred to as '''Vlad Filat''' ({{IPA|ro|vlad fiˈlat|pron}}), is a Moldovan businessman and politician, founder of [[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova]]. He was [[Prime Minister of Moldova]] from 25 September 2009 to 25 April 2013. He also was appointed as the [[Presidents of Moldova|interim president]] of Moldova for a brief period of time in 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://unimedia.info/stiri/-13413.html | title=Guvernul Filat a fost investit cu votul a 53 de deputaţi AIE. Şeful SIS a fos demis de către Parlament. Noul director este Mihai Gheorghe | date=2009-09-25 | access-date=2013-05-10}}</ref>
Following his conviction on charges of accepting bribes, Filat was released from jail in December 2019, 6 years earlier than his initial sentence.
Following his conviction on charges of accepting bribes, Filat was released from jail in December 2019, 6 years earlier than his initial sentence.


==Education and early career==
==Education and early career==
Vlad is the second child of Maria and Vasile Filat and was born on May 6, 1969, in [[Lăpușna, Hîncești|Lăpușna]], a commune in the [[Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic|Moldavian SSR]]. Alongside his two sisters (Ala and Valentina) and brother Ion, Vlad grew up in a part of Lăpușna called "Talcioc". In 1986, he graduated from high school in his hometown. Between 1986 and 1987, he worked at the school radio station until he was called up for military service. He carried out his [[compulsory military service]] in the [[Soviet Army]] (May 8, 1987–August 15, 1989), in [[Simferopol]] and [[Sevastopol]]. He served in the [[KGB]]'s [[Soviet Border Troops|Border Troops]], holding the rank of [[private first class]] and being decorated by his KGB superiors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ziaristionline.ro/2011/01/28/vladimir-vlad-filat-premierul-moldovei-recrut-fruntas-in-trupele-kgb-foto/|title=Vladimir (Vlad) Filat, premierul Moldovei, recrut fruntas in trupele KGB.}}</ref>
Vlad is the second child of Maria and Vasile Filat and was born on May 6, 1969, in [[Lăpușna, Hîncești|Lăpușna]], a commune in the [[Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic|Moldavian SSR]]. Alongside his two sisters (Ala and Valentina) and brother Ion, Vlad grew up in a part of Lăpușna called "Talcioc". In 1986, he graduated from high school in his hometown. Between 1986 and 1987, he worked at the school radio station until he was called up for military service. He carried out his [[compulsory military service]] in the [[Soviet Army]] (May 8, 1987 – August 15, 1989), in [[Simferopol]] and [[Sevastopol]]. He served in the [[KGB]]'s [[Soviet Border Troops|Border Troops]], holding the rank of [[private first class]] and being decorated by his KGB superiors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ziaristionline.ro/2011/01/28/vladimir-vlad-filat-premierul-moldovei-recrut-fruntas-in-trupele-kgb-foto/|title=Vladimir (Vlad) Filat, premierul Moldovei, recrut fruntas in trupele KGB.}}</ref>


From 1989 to 1990, he studied at the Cooperation College (''Kooperativny [[Technikum (Polish education)|technikum]]'') of [[Chișinău]], going on to study law at the [[University of Iași]] (1990–1994). As a student, he was the leader of the "League of students from Bessarabia in Romania", an organization formed by Moldovan students in [[Romania]]. In [[Iași]], among his classmates was [[Alexandru Tănase]]. While he was a student in Iași, he met his wife Sanda in the autumn of 1991; they dated for only three months before they married.
From 1989 to 1990, he studied at the Cooperation College (''Kooperativny [[Technikum (Polish education)|technikum]]'') of [[Chișinău]], going on to study law at the [[University of Iași]] (1990–1994). As a student, he was the leader of the "League of students from Bessarabia in Romania", an organization formed by Moldovan students in [[Romania]]. In [[Iași]], among his classmates was [[Alexandru Tănase]]. While he was a student in Iași, he met his wife Sanda in the autumn of 1991; they dated for only three months before they married.
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==Early political activity==
==Early political activity==
Filat was a member of the [[Democratic Party of Moldova]] (PDM) from 1997, when the party was founded, until 2007. Having returned to [[Moldova]] for good in 1998, he was appointed general director of the Department of Privatization and State Property Administration from the Ministry of Economy and Reform of the [[Government of Moldova|Government of the Republic of Moldova]] (1998—1999).
Filat was a member of the [[Democratic Party of Moldova]] (PDM) from 1997, when the party was founded, until 2007. Having returned to [[Moldova]] for good in 1998, he was appointed general director of the Department of Privatization and State Property Administration from the Ministry of Economy and Reform of the [[Government of Moldova|Government of the Republic of Moldova]] (1998–1999).


He was a State minister in the [[Ion Sturza]] [[Cabinet of Moldova|cabinet]] of [[Alliance for Democracy and Reforms]] from 12 March 1999, to 12 November 1999. In 2000, Filat was elected Vice-President of the Democratic Party (PDM). In the [[2005 Moldovan parliamentary election|2005 parliamentary election]], he became a member of the [[Parliament of the Republic of Moldova|Moldovan Parliament]]. Until March 2009, he was Vice-President of the Parliamentary Commission for Security, Public Order, and Defense. He was also a member of the [[European Union|EU]]-Moldova Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.
He was a State minister in the [[Ion Sturza]] [[Cabinet of Moldova|cabinet]] of [[Alliance for Democracy and Reforms]] from 12 March 1999, to 12 November 1999. In 2000, Filat was elected vice-president of the Democratic Party (PDM). In the [[2005 Moldovan parliamentary election|2005 parliamentary election]], he became a member of the [[Parliament of the Republic of Moldova|Moldovan Parliament]]. Until March 2009, he was vice-president of the Parliamentary Commission for Security, Public Order, and Defense. He was also a member of the [[European Union|EU]]-Moldova Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.


He ran for [[Mayor of Chișinău]] in the [[2007 Moldovan local election|2007 local election]] and won 8.32% of the vote, in fourth place. Soon after the local election, in September 2007, he left the Democratic Party after ten years of political activity inside the party. Filat has been the President of the [[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova]] since December 2007.
He ran for [[Mayor of Chișinău]] in the [[2007 Moldovan local election|2007 local election]] and won 8.32% of the vote, in fourth place. Soon after the local election, in September 2007, he left the Democratic Party after ten years of political activity inside the party. Filat has been the president of the [[Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova]] since December 2007.


== Moldovan parliamentary election, 2009 ==
== Moldovan parliamentary election, 2009 ==
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After the July 2009 parliamentary election, alongside [[Mihai Ghimpu]], [[Marian Lupu]], and [[Serafim Urechean]], Vlad Filat signed the [[Alliance For European Integration]] (AIE) in a press-conference on August 8, 2009. Towards the end of August 2009, he became the candidate of the Alliance For European Integration (AIE) for the position of [[Prime Minister of Moldova]].
After the July 2009 parliamentary election, alongside [[Mihai Ghimpu]], [[Marian Lupu]], and [[Serafim Urechean]], Vlad Filat signed the [[Alliance For European Integration]] (AIE) in a press-conference on August 8, 2009. Towards the end of August 2009, he became the candidate of the Alliance For European Integration (AIE) for the position of [[Prime Minister of Moldova]].


== Prime Minister ==
== Prime minister ==
{{main|Prime Minister of Moldova|Cabinet of Moldova|Vlad Filat Cabinet (disambiguation){{!}}Vlad Filat Cabinet}}
{{main|Prime Minister of Moldova|Cabinet of Moldova|Vlad Filat Cabinet (disambiguation){{!}}Vlad Filat Cabinet}}


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On March 8, 2013 Filat was [[2013 Moldovan government crisis|dismissed]] by motion of censure following charges of corruption, abuse of power and influence peddling.<ref>[http://www.parlament.md/LegislationDocument.aspx?Id=928a2109-946a-4dfa-8caf-797bb43620c3 Moțiune de cenzură asupra activității Guvernului]</ref> In spite of this, President [[Nicolae Timofti]] decreed that members of the government should continue to exert their public duties until a new government were to be formed.<ref>[http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=347106 Decretul nr. 534-VII, privind demisia Guvernului]</ref>
On March 8, 2013 Filat was [[2013 Moldovan government crisis|dismissed]] by motion of censure following charges of corruption, abuse of power and influence peddling.<ref>[http://www.parlament.md/LegislationDocument.aspx?Id=928a2109-946a-4dfa-8caf-797bb43620c3 Moțiune de cenzură asupra activității Guvernului]</ref> In spite of this, President [[Nicolae Timofti]] decreed that members of the government should continue to exert their public duties until a new government were to be formed.<ref>[http://lex.justice.md/index.php?action=view&view=doc&lang=1&id=347106 Decretul nr. 534-VII, privind demisia Guvernului]</ref>


Subsequently, on April 10, 2013 the President nominated Vlad Filat as a candidate for Prime Minister, authorizing him with the mission of forming a new government.
Subsequently, on April 10, 2013 the President nominated Vlad Filat as a candidate for prime minister, authorizing him with the mission of forming a new government.
However, on April 22, 2013, the Constitutional Court ruled that this decree is unconstitutional, stating that a Prime Minister ousted by vote of no confidence following suspicions of corruption cannot further perform this duty and that the President has the constitutional obligation to appoint in the interim capacity a member of the government whose integrity was not affected.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.constcourt.md/libview.php?l=ro&idc=7&id=428&t=/Prezentare-generala/Serviciul-de-presa/Noutati/Mentinerea-in-functie-a-Prim-ministrului-unui-Guvern-demis-pentru-motive-de-coruptie-este-neconstitutionala|title=Menţinerea în funcţie a Prim-ministrului unui Guvern demis pentru motive de corupţie este neconstituţională}}</ref>
However, on April 22, 2013, the Constitutional Court ruled that this decree is unconstitutional, stating that a prime minister ousted by vote of no confidence following suspicions of corruption cannot further perform this duty and that the president has the constitutional obligation to appoint in the interim capacity a member of the government whose integrity was not affected.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.constcourt.md/libview.php?l=ro&idc=7&id=428&t=/Prezentare-generala/Serviciul-de-presa/Noutati/Mentinerea-in-functie-a-Prim-ministrului-unui-Guvern-demis-pentru-motive-de-coruptie-este-neconstitutionala|title=Menţinerea în funcţie a Prim-ministrului unui Guvern demis pentru motive de corupţie este neconstituţională|date=22 April 2013 }}</ref>


The President appointed [[Iurie Leancă]] as Acting Prime Minister on April 25, 2013.
The president appointed [[Iurie Leancă]] as acting prime minister on April 25, 2013.


== Arrest and accusations of corruption ==
== Arrest and accusations of corruption ==
Filat was stripped of his immunity and handcuffed in parliament on October 15, 2015.<ref name="Reuters">{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-moldova-protests-filat-idUSKCN0S91BY20151015|title=Moldova detains former PM in parliament over $1 billion fraud|author=Alexander Tanas|date=15 October 2015|work=Reuters}}</ref> He was investigated for the [[2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal]] and accused of having taken bribes of about $250 million from [[Ilan Shor]], who was chairman of the board at Savings Bank from April to November 28, 2014.
Filat was stripped of his immunity and handcuffed in parliament on October 15, 2015.<ref name="Reuters">{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-moldova-protests-filat-idUSKCN0S91BY20151015|title=Moldova detains former PM in parliament over $1 billion fraud|author=Alexander Tanas|date=15 October 2015|work=Reuters}}</ref> He was investigated for the [[2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal]] and accused of having taken bribes of about $250 million from [[Ilan Shor]], who was chairman of the board at Savings Bank from April to November 28, 2014.


Filat has denied wrongdoing and said the allegations against him are politically motivated.<ref name="Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty">{{cite web|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/moldova-ex-pm-immunity-lifted-fraud-probe/27308192.html|title=Moldova's Ex-PM Detained After Parliament Lifts His Immunity|work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty}}</ref>
Filat has denied wrongdoing and said the allegations against him are politically motivated.<ref name="Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty">{{cite news|url=http://www.rferl.org/content/moldova-ex-pm-immunity-lifted-fraud-probe/27308192.html|title=Moldova's Ex-PM Detained After Parliament Lifts His Immunity|work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty|date=15 October 2015 }}</ref>


On June 27, 2016, Vlad Filat was sentenced to 9 years in prison.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-moldova-filat-court/moldovan-court-jails-ex-pm-for-nine-years-for-abuse-of-power-idUSKCN0ZD1XM|title=Moldovan court jails ex-PM for nine years for abuse of power|work=Reuters}}</ref>
On June 27, 2016, Vlad Filat was sentenced to 9 years in prison.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-moldova-filat-court/moldovan-court-jails-ex-pm-for-nine-years-for-abuse-of-power-idUSKCN0ZD1XM|title=Moldovan court jails ex-PM for nine years for abuse of power|work=Reuters|date=27 June 2016 }}</ref>


in February 2019, Filat's son was ordered to pay nearly half a million [[Pound sterling|pounds]] after an investigation by the [[National Crime Agency]] found that he had paid £390,000 up front for a lavish apartment in the [[Knightsbridge]] area of [[London]] and £200,000 for a [[Bentley Bentayga]]. With no registered income in the UK, three bank accounts belonging to his son were frozen under [[Criminal Finances Act 2017]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/news/1565-son-of-moldova-s-ex-pm-renting-1000-per-day-knightsbridge-apartment-forced-to-hand-over-nearly-half-a-million-pounds|title=National Crime Agency - Son of Moldova's ex-PM renting £1000 per day Knightsbridge apartment forced to hand over nearly half a million pounds|website=www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk|access-date=2019-02-08}}</ref>
In February 2019, Filat's son was ordered to pay nearly half a million [[Pound sterling|pounds]] after an investigation by the UK [[National Crime Agency]] found that he had paid £390,000 up front for a lavish apartment in the [[Knightsbridge]] area of [[London]] and £200,000 for a [[Bentley Bentayga]]. With no registered income in the UK, three bank accounts belonging to his son were frozen under [[Criminal Finances Act 2017]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk/news/1565-son-of-moldova-s-ex-pm-renting-1000-per-day-knightsbridge-apartment-forced-to-hand-over-nearly-half-a-million-pounds|title=National Crime Agency - Son of Moldova's ex-PM renting £1000 per day Knightsbridge apartment forced to hand over nearly half a million pounds|website=www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk|access-date=2019-02-08}}</ref>


==Honours==
==Honours==


* In December 2013, Filat was awarded by the [[President of Moldova]] [[Nicolae Timofti]] with the highest distinction in Moldova, "[[Order of the Republic (Moldova)|Order of the Republic]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publika.md/vlad-filat-a-fost-decorat-cu-ordinul-republicii--uite-pentru-ce-merite_1741431.html|title=Vlad Filat a fost decorat cu "Ordinul Republicii". |date=17 June 2015|work=PUBLIKA.MD|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Moldova}} – [[Order of the Republic (Moldova)|Order of the Republic]] (December 2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.publika.md/vlad-filat-a-fost-decorat-cu-ordinul-republicii--uite-pentru-ce-merite_1741431.html|title=Vlad Filat a fost decorat cu "Ordinul Republicii". |date=17 June 2015|work=PUBLIKA.MD|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref>
* On 25 November 2014, Filat was awarded by the [[President of Romania]] [[Traian Băsescu]] with [[Order of Faithful Service|National Order of Faithful Service]] of level Grand Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ziarulnational.md/presedintele-basescu-i-a-acordat-o-distinctie-lui-vlad-filat/|title=Președintele Băsescu le-a acordat DISTINCȚII lui Vlad Filat, deputatei Maria Ciobanu și scriitorului Iulian Filip|work=ziarulnational.md|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Romania}} – Grand Cross of the [[Order of Faithful Service|National Order of Faithful Service]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ziarulnational.md/presedintele-basescu-i-a-acordat-o-distinctie-lui-vlad-filat/|title=Președintele Băsescu le-a acordat DISTINCȚII lui Vlad Filat, deputatei Maria Ciobanu și scriitorului Iulian Filip|work=ziarulnational.md|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref> (25 November 2014)
* In November 2013, Filat was awarded by the then-[[President of Georgia]] [[Mikheil Saakashvili]], with one of the highest distinctions in the country – the [[Presidential Order of Excellence|Order of Excellence]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timpul.md/articol/vlad-filat-a-fost-decorat-de-saakasvili-51812.html|title=Vlad Filat a fost decorat de Saakașvili|work=Timpul - Știri din Moldova|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref>
* {{Flag|Georgia}} – [[Presidential Order of Excellence|Order of Excellence]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timpul.md/articol/vlad-filat-a-fost-decorat-de-saakasvili-51812.html|title=Vlad Filat a fost decorat de Saakașvili|work=Timpul - Știri din Moldova|date=27 November 2013 |access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref> (November 2013)


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Filat divorced Sanda Filat in August 2012, a [[psychologist]]. They have two children: Luca (b. 1995) and Iustina (b. 1998).<ref name="copii">{{cite web|url=http://protv.md/stiri/entertainment/la-brat-cu-cei-doi-copii-ai-sai-cum-a-aparut-sanda-filat-la-ceremonia---477131.html |title=La brat cu cei doi copii ai sai. Cum a aparut Sanda Filat la ceremonia de lansare a fundatie Bach |publisher=ProTV.md |date=2014-03-21 |access-date=2014-03-28}}</ref>
Filat divorced Sanda Filat in August 2012, a [[psychologist]]. They have two children.<ref name="copii">{{cite web|url=http://protv.md/stiri/entertainment/la-brat-cu-cei-doi-copii-ai-sai-cum-a-aparut-sanda-filat-la-ceremonia---477131.html |title=La brat cu cei doi copii ai sai. Cum a aparut Sanda Filat la ceremonia de lansare a fundatie Bach |publisher=ProTV.md |date=2014-03-21 |access-date=2014-03-28}}</ref>

In January 2014, Vlad Filat married former [[Pro TV Chișinău]] presenter<ref>[http://protv.md/stiri/entertainment/angela-gonta-se-retrage-de-la-pupitrul-stirilor-vedeta-pro-tv---246291.html Angela Gonta se retrage de la pupitrul stirilor. Vedeta PRO TV se marita cu Vlad Filat], [[Pro TV Chișinău]], 15.12.2013 19:51</ref> [[Angela Gonța]].<ref name="CunAdevărul">{{cite web|url=http://adevarul.ro/moldova/actualitate/vlad-filat-angela-gonta-fost-cununati-manastirea-curchi-mitropolitul-vladimir-1_52f259ecc7b855ff5618f24a/index.html|title=Vlad Filat și Angela Gonța au fost cununați la Mănăstirea Curchi de Mitropolitul Vladimir|work=adevarul.ro|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="CunJurnal">[http://jurnal.md/ro/news/vlad-filat-i-angela-gon-a-s-au-cununat-1163290/ Vlad Filat și Angela Gonța s-au cununat]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://inprofunzime.md/stiri/politic/vlad-filat-si-angela-gonta-s-au-casatorit-cine-le-au-fost-nasii.html |title=Vlad Filat si Angela Gonta s-au casatorit! Anuntul facut de politician: Cine le-au fost nasi |publisher=Inprofunzime.md |date=2013-12-27 |access-date=2014-02-06}}</ref> In June 2014<ref>[http://ziarulnational.md/angela-gonta-a-nascut/ Angela Gonța a NĂSCUT], ziarulnational.md</ref> Vlad Filat and Angela Gonța became parents, with birth of their daughter Ekaterina.<ref name=copilFB>{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/angela.gonta/posts/802127959811074|title=Facebook|work=facebook.com|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref><ref name=copilperfecte>{{cite web|url=http://perfecte.md/article/family/poarta-numele-unei-sfinte-iata-cum-o-cheama-pe-fetita-angelei---588381.html|title=Poarta numele unei sfinte! Iata cum o cheama pe fiica Angelei Gonta si a lui Vlad Filat|work=perfecte.md|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref><ref name=copilpentruea>{{cite web|url=http://pentruea.md/article/angela-gonta-si-vlad-filat-au-dezvaluit-prenumele-copilului-iata-cum-se-numeste-fetita--6386.html|title=Angela Gonța și Vlad Filat au dezvăluit prenumele copilului! Iată cum se numește fetița!|work=ea.md|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref><ref name=copilkankan>{{cite web|url=http://www.kankan.md/cum-si-a-numit-angela-gonta-fetita-jurnalista-a-scris-un-mesaj-emotionant-pe-facebook/|title=Cum și-a numit Angela Gonța fetița! Jurnalista a scris un mesaj emoționant pe Facebook|work=kankan|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref>
In January 2014, Vlad Filat married former [[Pro TV Chișinău]] presenter<ref>[http://protv.md/stiri/entertainment/angela-gonta-se-retrage-de-la-pupitrul-stirilor-vedeta-pro-tv---246291.html Angela Gonta se retrage de la pupitrul stirilor. Vedeta PRO TV se marita cu Vlad Filat], [[Pro TV Chișinău]], 15.12.2013 19:51</ref> [[Angela Gonța]].<ref name="CunAdevărul">{{cite web|url=http://adevarul.ro/moldova/actualitate/vlad-filat-angela-gonta-fost-cununati-manastirea-curchi-mitropolitul-vladimir-1_52f259ecc7b855ff5618f24a/index.html|title=Vlad Filat și Angela Gonța au fost cununați la Mănăstirea Curchi de Mitropolitul Vladimir|work=adevarul.ro|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="CunJurnal">[http://jurnal.md/ro/news/vlad-filat-i-angela-gon-a-s-au-cununat-1163290/ Vlad Filat și Angela Gonța s-au cununat]</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://inprofunzime.md/stiri/politic/vlad-filat-si-angela-gonta-s-au-casatorit-cine-le-au-fost-nasii.html |title=Vlad Filat si Angela Gonta s-au casatorit! Anuntul facut de politician: Cine le-au fost nasi |publisher=Inprofunzime.md |date=2013-12-27 |access-date=2014-02-06}}</ref> In June 2014<ref>[http://ziarulnational.md/angela-gonta-a-nascut/ Angela Gonța a NĂSCUT], ziarulnational.md</ref> Vlad Filat and Angela Gonța became parents with birth of their daughter.<ref name="copilFB">{{cite web|url=http://www.facebook.com/angela.gonta/posts/802127959811074|title=Facebook|work=facebook.com|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="copilperfecte">{{cite web|url=http://perfecte.md/article/family/poarta-numele-unei-sfinte-iata-cum-o-cheama-pe-fetita-angelei---588381.html|title=Poarta numele unei sfinte! Iata cum o cheama pe fiica Angelei Gonta si a lui Vlad Filat|work=perfecte.md|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="copilpentruea">{{cite web|url=http://pentruea.md/article/angela-gonta-si-vlad-filat-au-dezvaluit-prenumele-copilului-iata-cum-se-numeste-fetita--6386.html|title=Angela Gonța și Vlad Filat au dezvăluit prenumele copilului! Iată cum se numește fetița!|work=ea.md|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref><ref name="copilkankan">{{cite web|url=http://www.kankan.md/cum-si-a-numit-angela-gonta-fetita-jurnalista-a-scris-un-mesaj-emotionant-pe-facebook/|title=Cum și-a numit Angela Gonța fetița! Jurnalista a scris un mesaj emoționant pe Facebook|work=kankan|access-date=17 June 2015}}</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 140: Line 140:
File:Flickr - europeanpeoplesparty - EPP summit 494.jpg|[[Sali Berisha]], [[Nikola Gruevski]] and Filat
File:Flickr - europeanpeoplesparty - EPP summit 494.jpg|[[Sali Berisha]], [[Nikola Gruevski]] and Filat
File:Flickr - europeanpeoplesparty - varia 022.jpg|[[Wilfried Martens]] and Filat
File:Flickr - europeanpeoplesparty - varia 022.jpg|[[Wilfried Martens]] and Filat
File:Flickr - europeanpeoplesparty - EPP Summit September 2010 (23).jpg|Filat and [[Valdis Dombrovskis]]
File:Flickr - europeanpeoplesparty - EPP Summit September 2010 (23).jpg|Filat and [[Valdis Dombrovskis]]
File:2nd EPP EaP Summit (8235465148).jpg|Filat and [[Serzh Sargsyan]]
File:EPP Congress Marseille 5952 (6472494933).jpg|Filat at the [[European People's Party|EPP]] Congress Marseille (2011)
File:EPP Congress Marseille 5952 (6472494933).jpg|Filat at the [[European People's Party|EPP]] Congress Marseille (2011)
File:EPP Summit, 14 Mar. 2013 (8556356321).jpg|Filat at the EPP Summit (2013)
File:EPP Summit, 14 Mar. 2013 (8556356321).jpg|Filat at the EPP Summit (2013)
Line 186: Line 187:
[[Category:Moldovan MPs 2009–2010]]
[[Category:Moldovan MPs 2009–2010]]
[[Category:People from Hîncești District]]
[[Category:People from Hîncești District]]
[[Category:Prime Ministers of Moldova]]
[[Category:Prime ministers of Moldova]]
[[Category:Heads of government who were later imprisoned]]
[[Category:Heads of government who were later imprisoned]]
[[Category:Soviet Army personnel]]
[[Category:Soviet Army personnel]]

Latest revision as of 00:43, 7 December 2024

"Filat" redirects here. For other uses, see Filat (disambiguation).
Vlad Filat
Filat in 2023
8th Prime Minister of Moldova
In office
25 September 2009 – 25 April 2013
PresidentMihai Ghimpu (acting)
Himself (acting)
Marian Lupu (acting)
Nicolae Timofti
Deputy
See list
Preceded byVitalie Pîrlog (acting)
Succeeded byIurie Leancă
Acting President of Moldova
In office
28 December 2010 – 30 December 2010
Prime MinisterHimself
Preceded byMihai Ghimpu (acting)
Succeeded byMarian Lupu (acting)
President of the Liberal Democratic Party
Incumbent
Assumed office
2 July 2023
Preceded byIulian David (acting)
In office
16 August 2020 – 29 April 2021
Preceded byTudor Deliu
Succeeded byIulian David (acting)
In office
8 December 2007 – 27 May 2016
Succeeded byViorel Cibotaru
Minister of State
In office
12 March 1999 – 21 December 1999
PresidentPetru Lucinschi
Prime MinisterIon Sturza
Preceded byNicolae Cernomaz
Succeeded byVictor Bodiu (2009)
Member of the Moldovan Parliament
In office
9 December 2014 – 15 December 2016
Succeeded bySimion Grișciuc
Parliamentary groupLiberal Democratic Party
In office
24 December 2010 – 14 February 2011
Succeeded byElena Frumosu
Parliamentary groupLiberal Democratic Party
In office
17 March 2005 – 25 September 2009
Succeeded byIvan Ionaș
Parliamentary groupDemocratic Moldova Electoral Bloc
Democratic Party
Liberal Democratic Party
Personal details
Born
Vladimir Filat

(1969-05-06) 6 May 1969 (age 55)
Lăpușna, Moldavian SSR, Soviet Union
(now Moldova)
Citizenship Moldova
 Romania
Political partyDemocratic Party (1997–2007)
Liberal Democratic Party (2007–2016), (2020–present)
Other political
affiliations		Alliance for Democracy and Reforms (1998–1999)
Alliance for European Integration (2009–present)
Spouse(s)Sanda Filat (Divorced 2012)
Angela Gonța (2014–2016)
Children3
Alma materUniversity of Iași

Vladimir Filat (born 6 May 1969), commonly referred to as Vlad Filat (pronounced [vlad fiˈlat]), is a Moldovan businessman and politician, founder of Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova. He was Prime Minister of Moldova from 25 September 2009 to 25 April 2013. He also was appointed as the interim president of Moldova for a brief period of time in 2010.[1] Following his conviction on charges of accepting bribes, Filat was released from jail in December 2019, 6 years earlier than his initial sentence.

Education and early career

[edit]

Vlad is the second child of Maria and Vasile Filat and was born on May 6, 1969, in Lăpușna, a commune in the Moldavian SSR. Alongside his two sisters (Ala and Valentina) and brother Ion, Vlad grew up in a part of Lăpușna called "Talcioc". In 1986, he graduated from high school in his hometown. Between 1986 and 1987, he worked at the school radio station until he was called up for military service. He carried out his compulsory military service in the Soviet Army (May 8, 1987 – August 15, 1989), in Simferopol and Sevastopol. He served in the KGB's Border Troops, holding the rank of private first class and being decorated by his KGB superiors.[2]

From 1989 to 1990, he studied at the Cooperation College (Kooperativny technikum) of Chișinău, going on to study law at the University of Iași (1990–1994). As a student, he was the leader of the "League of students from Bessarabia in Romania", an organization formed by Moldovan students in Romania. In Iași, among his classmates was Alexandru Tănase. While he was a student in Iași, he met his wife Sanda in the autumn of 1991; they dated for only three months before they married.

Between 1994 and 1998, Vlad Filat initiated and conducted more business in Romania. He was general director of "RoMold Trading SRL" in Iași (1994–1997) and the president of the Administrative Council of "Dosoftei" company in Iași (1997–1998).

Early political activity

[edit]

Filat was a member of the Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM) from 1997, when the party was founded, until 2007. Having returned to Moldova for good in 1998, he was appointed general director of the Department of Privatization and State Property Administration from the Ministry of Economy and Reform of the Government of the Republic of Moldova (1998–1999).

He was a State minister in the Ion Sturza cabinet of Alliance for Democracy and Reforms from 12 March 1999, to 12 November 1999. In 2000, Filat was elected vice-president of the Democratic Party (PDM). In the 2005 parliamentary election, he became a member of the Moldovan Parliament. Until March 2009, he was vice-president of the Parliamentary Commission for Security, Public Order, and Defense. He was also a member of the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.

He ran for Mayor of Chișinău in the 2007 local election and won 8.32% of the vote, in fourth place. Soon after the local election, in September 2007, he left the Democratic Party after ten years of political activity inside the party. Filat has been the president of the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova since December 2007.

Moldovan parliamentary election, 2009

[edit]
Main articles: Moldovan parliamentary election, April 2009 and Moldovan parliamentary election, July 2009

In the April 2009 parliamentary election, his party won 15 seats and in the July 2009 parliamentary election PLDM became the second party in the country with 18 seats and the first party within the Alliance For European Integration (AIE).

Alliance for European Integration

[edit]
Main article: Alliance for European Integration

After the July 2009 parliamentary election, alongside Mihai Ghimpu, Marian Lupu, and Serafim Urechean, Vlad Filat signed the Alliance For European Integration (AIE) in a press-conference on August 8, 2009. Towards the end of August 2009, he became the candidate of the Alliance For European Integration (AIE) for the position of Prime Minister of Moldova.

Prime minister

[edit]
Main articles: Prime Minister of Moldova, Cabinet of Moldova, and Vlad Filat Cabinet

The Constitutional Court of Moldova confirmed earlier on September 17, 2009 the legitimacy of Mihai Ghimpu's position as Acting President of Moldova, which gave him the right to nominate a prime minister. On the same day, Ghimpu signed a decree nominating Filat for the office of prime minister. Earlier on September 17, the parliament approved a new government structure; according to the draft structure, the number of ministries remains unchanged at 16 but their names and responsibilities have been changed.[3]

The Alliance for European Integration gave a vote of confidence to the new government headed by PM Vladimir Filat at a plenary meeting on September 25, 2009.

On March 8, 2013 Filat was dismissed by motion of censure following charges of corruption, abuse of power and influence peddling.[4] In spite of this, President Nicolae Timofti decreed that members of the government should continue to exert their public duties until a new government were to be formed.[5]

Subsequently, on April 10, 2013 the President nominated Vlad Filat as a candidate for prime minister, authorizing him with the mission of forming a new government. However, on April 22, 2013, the Constitutional Court ruled that this decree is unconstitutional, stating that a prime minister ousted by vote of no confidence following suspicions of corruption cannot further perform this duty and that the president has the constitutional obligation to appoint in the interim capacity a member of the government whose integrity was not affected.[6]

The president appointed Iurie Leancă as acting prime minister on April 25, 2013.

Arrest and accusations of corruption

[edit]

Filat was stripped of his immunity and handcuffed in parliament on October 15, 2015.[7] He was investigated for the 2014 Moldovan bank fraud scandal and accused of having taken bribes of about $250 million from Ilan Shor, who was chairman of the board at Savings Bank from April to November 28, 2014.

Filat has denied wrongdoing and said the allegations against him are politically motivated.[8]

On June 27, 2016, Vlad Filat was sentenced to 9 years in prison.[9]

In February 2019, Filat's son was ordered to pay nearly half a million pounds after an investigation by the UK National Crime Agency found that he had paid £390,000 up front for a lavish apartment in the Knightsbridge area of London and £200,000 for a Bentley Bentayga. With no registered income in the UK, three bank accounts belonging to his son were frozen under Criminal Finances Act 2017.[10]

Honours

[edit]

Personal life

[edit]

Filat divorced Sanda Filat in August 2012, a psychologist. They have two children.[14]

In January 2014, Vlad Filat married former Pro TV Chișinău presenter[15] Angela Gonța.[16][17][18] In June 2014[19] Vlad Filat and Angela Gonța became parents with birth of their daughter.[20][21][22][23]

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Guvernul Filat a fost investit cu votul a 53 de deputaţi AIE. Şeful SIS a fos demis de către Parlament. Noul director este Mihai Gheorghe". 2009-09-25. Retrieved 2013-05-10.
  2. ^ "Vladimir (Vlad) Filat, premierul Moldovei, recrut fruntas in trupele KGB".
  3. ^ "Parlamentul Republicii Moldova a aprobat structura noului Guvern: Vlad Filat, noul premier".
  4. ^ Moțiune de cenzură asupra activității Guvernului
  5. ^ Decretul nr. 534-VII, privind demisia Guvernului
  6. ^ "Menţinerea în funcţie a Prim-ministrului unui Guvern demis pentru motive de corupţie este neconstituţională". 22 April 2013.
  7. ^ Alexander Tanas (15 October 2015). "Moldova detains former PM in parliament over $1 billion fraud". Reuters.
  8. ^ "Moldova's Ex-PM Detained After Parliament Lifts His Immunity". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. 15 October 2015.
  9. ^ "Moldovan court jails ex-PM for nine years for abuse of power". Reuters. 27 June 2016.
  10. ^ "National Crime Agency - Son of Moldova's ex-PM renting £1000 per day Knightsbridge apartment forced to hand over nearly half a million pounds". www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  11. ^ "Vlad Filat a fost decorat cu "Ordinul Republicii"". PUBLIKA.MD. 17 June 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  12. ^ "Președintele Băsescu le-a acordat DISTINCȚII lui Vlad Filat, deputatei Maria Ciobanu și scriitorului Iulian Filip". ziarulnational.md. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  13. ^ "Vlad Filat a fost decorat de Saakașvili". Timpul - Știri din Moldova. 27 November 2013. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  14. ^ "La brat cu cei doi copii ai sai. Cum a aparut Sanda Filat la ceremonia de lansare a fundatie Bach". ProTV.md. 2014-03-21. Retrieved 2014-03-28.
  15. ^ Angela Gonta se retrage de la pupitrul stirilor. Vedeta PRO TV se marita cu Vlad Filat, Pro TV Chișinău, 15.12.2013 19:51
  16. ^ "Vlad Filat și Angela Gonța au fost cununați la Mănăstirea Curchi de Mitropolitul Vladimir". adevarul.ro. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  17. ^ Vlad Filat și Angela Gonța s-au cununat
  18. ^ "Vlad Filat si Angela Gonta s-au casatorit! Anuntul facut de politician: Cine le-au fost nasi". Inprofunzime.md. 2013-12-27. Retrieved 2014-02-06.
  19. ^ Angela Gonța a NĂSCUT, ziarulnational.md
  20. ^ "Facebook". facebook.com. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  21. ^ "Poarta numele unei sfinte! Iata cum o cheama pe fiica Angelei Gonta si a lui Vlad Filat". perfecte.md. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  22. ^ "Angela Gonța și Vlad Filat au dezvăluit prenumele copilului! Iată cum se numește fetița!". ea.md. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  23. ^ "Cum și-a numit Angela Gonța fetița! Jurnalista a scris un mesaj emoționant pe Facebook". kankan. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Vlad Filat.
Political offices
Preceded by Prime Minister of Moldova
2009–2013 		Succeeded by
Preceded by President of Moldova
Acting
2010 		Succeeded by
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