Biography
Renato Usatîi – Biography
Renato Usatîi was born on November 4, 1978, in the city of Fălești, Republic of Moldova, into a family of teachers. From an early age, he learned that education and perseverance are the most important values in life. His parents were both graduates of the ‘Alecu Russo’ State University of Bălți, and he proudly followed in their footsteps.
Since childhood, Renato Usatîi has lived by the motto, “Power lies in truth.” This principle has consistently guided him through life, helping him overcome challenges and remain true to his convictions.
In 1994, he took first place in the national English Language Olympiad. As a result, he was admitted without entrance exams to the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the ‘Alecu Russo’ State University of Bălți. His studies there provided a strong foundation for his future career.
Professional Career
Renato Usatîi’s professional career began in 2000, when he worked as a supervisor at Chișinău Airport. This role taught him the value of discipline and the importance of managing human resources effectively. He later served for several years as chief engineer at the Food Supply Plant of the Moldovan Railway, where he gained extensive experience in overseeing large-scale projects.
In 2004, like hundreds of thousands of Moldovans in search of better opportunities, he left the country. Starting from scratch, Renato Usatîi built a successful business in Russia and went on to become the largest producer of hard metal tools for the railway industry.
Political Activity
In 2014, Renato Usatîi returned to Moldova and became actively involved in national politics. He planned to run in the parliamentary elections, but the Ministry of Justice repeatedly refused to register his political party. As a result, in the autumn of 2014, he joined the electoral list of the ‘Patria’ political party, which was later disqualified from the race under controversial circumstances. Despite these setbacks, in 2015, the Ministry of Justice officially registered Our Party, with Renato Usatîi serving as its president ever since.
That same year, he was elected mayor of Bălți municipality. During his term, he launched numerous social and infrastructure projects that benefited thousands of residents. Under his leadership, Bălți City Hall was recognized as the most transparent local authority in Moldova for three consecutive years.
In 2016, amid his growing popularity, the ruling Plahotniuc regime used the Constitutional Court to raise the minimum age to run for president from 35 to 40 years. This last-minute change barred Usatîi from entering the race, despite his lead in the polls.
Renato Usatîi is also the only Moldovan politician to have paid the highest amount of personal income tax to the national budget, despite not owning any business in Moldova. These taxes were paid on income earned abroad.
Since entering politics a decade ago, Renato Usatîi has been one of the most persecuted political figures in the country. Under the Plahotniuc regime, dozens of criminal cases were filed against him, his colleagues, and his supporters. All were later dropped after Plahotniuc fled Moldova. Despite facing politically motivated accusations intended to silence or intimidate, Usatîi has remained committed to fighting for truth and for citizens’ rights—true to his lifelong motto: “Power lies in truth.”
In the 2020 presidential election, Renato Usatîi finished third, earning 17% of the national vote—both domestically and among the diaspora. He remains the only Moldovan politician to receive equal levels of support from voters living in both eastern and western countries.
He again placed third in the 2024 presidential election, winning nearly 14% of the vote—mirroring his 2020 performance and confirming his consistent support at home and abroad.
Our Party, led by Renato Usatîi, is a centrist political force with a strong pro-Moldova orientation. Public opinion polls from 2023 to 2025 consistently show that the party is poised to enter the next Parliament. The most recent polling places Our Party third in voting intentions ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Social responsibility has always been one of Renato Usatîi’s top priorities. Over the years, he has initiated and supported hundreds of social and infrastructure projects across Moldova. He has contributed to the construction of playgrounds, provided modern medical equipment and utilities for municipal services, and organized as well as funded numerous sporting events. He also covered the costs of life-saving surgeries for children both in Moldova and abroad. Thanks to his efforts, thousands of children experienced the sea for the first time. He has provided ongoing support to pensioners and large families, offering vital assistance when they needed it most. Usatîi has also shown deep respect and care for WWII veterans, ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Raised in a Christian family, Renato Usatîi has been a consistent supporter of churches and religious communities throughout Moldova.
Under his patronage, the largest shelter for stray dogs in Moldova was built—fully aligned with European standards for animal welfare.
He has also organized dozens of cultural events in Bălți and other cities across the country, inviting talented artists from Moldova and abroad to enrich the local cultural scene.
Main Objective
Renato Usatîi is the proud father of three children—one currently attending university and two still in school. His greatest wish is for all parents and children in Moldova to enjoy the same quality of life as his own family.
Throughout his life, Renato Usatîi has achieved every personal goal he has set for himself—except one: ensuring a better life for every Moldovan. That remains his ultimate mission.