CHISINAU — Moldovan President Maia Sandu has nominated financier and businessman Vasile Tofan as the country's new prime minister, moving to restore a permanent government after the surprise resignation of her previous premier and reaffirm the country's pro-European course.
Sandu announced the nomination on Saturday following consultations with parliamentary factions, tasking the 44-year-old senior partner at investment firm Horizon Capital with forming a cabinet and presenting a governing program to parliament within the constitutional deadline.
Tofan would replace Alexandru Munteanu, who announced his resignation earlier this month after less than a year in office, saying he could no longer carry out his duties in accordance with his convictions. He did not provide further details. His departure triggered the resignation of the government, while Deputy Prime Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu was appointed acting prime minister until a new cabinet is approved.
Speaking after accepting the nomination, Tofan said his government would focus on rebuilding public trust, improving conditions for businesses and advancing Moldova's bid to join the European Union.
"The goal of my government is to sign an agreement on Moldova's accession to the EU by the end of 2028," Tofan told a news conference.
Sandu said the incoming government's priorities should include accelerating European integration, strengthening the resilience of state institutions and supporting economic recovery.
Parliament is widely expected to approve the nomination because Sandu's pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) holds a majority of 55 seats in the 101-member legislature following last year's parliamentary election. Most opposition parties declined to participate in the nomination process, arguing the outcome had effectively already been decided.
Moldova, situated between Ukraine and European Union member Romania, has pursued closer integration with the EU under Sandu while facing persistent political tensions between pro-European and pro-Russian forces. The country formally opened EU accession negotiations and has identified membership as a central strategic objective.
Under Moldova's constitution, the prime minister-designate has 15 days to submit a proposed cabinet and government program to parliament for a confidence vote. With PAS holding a parliamentary majority, Tofan's confirmation is broadly expected, after which he would formally assume office and begin implementing the new administration's agenda.
