President Maia Sandu has taken note of Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu’s resignation and rejected claims that he was prevented from fighting abuses or from properly leading the government.
“Speculations that he wanted to fight abuses but was not allowed to are false. The Prime Minister had full freedom to lead the Government as he considered appropriate. He chose to leave,” Sandu said during a press conference.
The president noted that the reforms promoted by the government have been difficult and said that, although Munteanu is “a decent person” with “the best intentions,” she expected greater involvement.
“I expected more involvement in difficult decisions, more presence in listening to people and explaining what reforms we need to implement and why,” she stated.
Sandu also announced that, in line with Article 98 of the Constitution, consultations with parliamentary factions to nominate a new prime minister will begin next week.
“We need to rethink several decisions, including fiscal policy and the salary law. We must have a strong and united government team that will fulfill our country’s goal — accession to the European Union,” she said.
The president denied any tensions between herself and Munteanu, saying they had worked “with honesty and integrity.” She added that they had recently discussed fiscal and salary reforms, which she believes needed clearer communication to the public.
Regarding the next prime minister, Sandu said it is too early to discuss names and that the constitutional procedure will be followed.
Political parties will be invited to consultations, where they will propose candidates and indicate whether they have sufficient parliamentary support.
Until a new government is appointed and sworn in, Alexandru Munteanu will continue serving as acting prime minister.