The Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Alexandru Munteanu announced his resignation on today, saying he could no longer continue in office while remaining faithful to his “principles and beliefs.”
His departure comes less than a year after his government took office following the electoral victory of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), which has built its political identity around promises of European integration, transparency and anti-corruption.
Munteanu’s departure comes as Moldovan pro-EU President Maia Sandu faces mounting political pressure over economic reforms and criticism of high-pay at several state-owned enterprises, in one of Europe’s poorest countries.
Reacting to the resignation, Sandu dismissed suggestions that Munteanu had been prevented from tackling abuses within government.
“The speculation that he wanted to fight against abuses and was not allowed is false,” Sandu told reporters in a press conference shortly after the prime minister’s announcement.
According to the president, Munteanu had full authority to govern but ultimately chose to resign.
Sandu praised him as “a good man” but suggested he had failed to show sufficient leadership during politically sensitive reforms.
“I expected more involvement in complicated decisions, more presence to listen to people, to explain what kind of reforms we need to make and why we need to make them,” she said.
She also denied reports of major disagreements between the two, saying discussions during the week focused on tax and salary reforms rather than corruption or cabinet restructuring.
Munteanu will remain as caretaker prime minister until a replacement is appointed. Consultations with parliamentary parties next week to identify a new head of government.
Former president Igor Dodon described the resignation as “the beginning of the end of the most cynical, hypocritical and corrupt government in the country’s history.”
