CHISINAU: Moldova’s pro-Western government has resigned after a turbulent 18 months in power marked by the economic crisis and the spillover effects of the Russian war in neighbouring Ukraine.
In the latest tensions with Russia over the war, the government said shortly before Prime Minister (PM) Natalia Gavrilita announced her resignation that a Russian missile had violated the airspace of Moldova and summoned Russia’s ambassador to protest.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu accepted Natalia Gavrilita’s decision on Friday and nominated her defence adviser Dorin Recean as the new prime minister. Gavrilita showed no sign of abandoning her pro-Western policies, including seeking European Union (EU) accession.
Dorin Recean nominated as Moldova’s prime minister
“Thank you so much for your great sacrifice and efforts to lead the country in a time of numerous crises,” Sandu wrote on Facebook.
“Despite unprecedented challenges, the country was governed responsibly, with a lot of attention and dedicated work. We have peace, stability, and development, whereas others wanted war and bankruptcy.”
Sandu said she wants to revamp critical areas such as Moldova’s economy and the justice sector.
“I know we need unity and a lot of work to get through the challenging period we are facing,” she said. “The challenges of 2022 postponed some of our plans, but these difficulties did not stop us.”
Recean, an economist who served as interior minister between 2012-2015, will have 15 days to form a new government to present to parliament for taking a vote.
He said he planned to continue to pursue membership in the European Union and that his government’s priorities would be discipline and order, breathing new life into the economy, and stability and peace. – Agencies
