CHISINAU — Moldova's opposition intensified pressure on President Maia Sandu on Saturday, calling for her resignation and early elections after alleging that a widening controversy over corruption in state-owned enterprises had exposed failures at the highest levels of government, while the presidency rejected the accusations.
The demands came a day after Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu unexpectedly resigned, a move that brought down his government and deepened political uncertainty in the European Union candidate country. Munteanu said he could no longer carry out his mandate in accordance with his principles and convictions but did not provide further details for his decision.
Opposition figures, including leaders from the Party of Socialists and other parties critical of the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), argued that the government's collapse reflected a broader crisis of confidence. They accused Sandu's administration of failing to address allegations surrounding salaries, appointments and governance at state-owned companies, and called for the president to step down and for early parliamentary elections.
The allegations have not been established in court, and opposition claims regarding corruption at the presidential level have not been independently verified.
Sandu has rejected suggestions that her office prevented Munteanu from acting against alleged abuses. Speaking after the prime minister's resignation on Friday, she said speculation that Munteanu had been obstructed was "false" and that he had "complete freedom" to lead the government before deciding to resign voluntarily.
The president thanked Munteanu and his cabinet for pursuing what she described as difficult but necessary reforms and said Moldova's strategic course toward European Union membership remained unchanged. She announced consultations with parliamentary parties to nominate a new prime minister, while Munteanu will remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a successor is appointed.
The political turmoil follows weeks of scrutiny over reported pay packages and appointments at state-owned entities, including the air navigation agency MoldATSA, prompting criticism from opposition parties and public debate over governance standards.
The government's resignation does not automatically trigger parliamentary or presidential elections under Moldova's constitution. Sandu's PAS party continues to hold a parliamentary majority, although opposition leaders have argued that the latest developments justify an early return to the polls.
Consultations on forming a new government are expected to begin in the coming days, with no successor to Munteanu officially nominated as of Saturday.
