Several opposition parties have announced that they will not participate in consultations initiated by President Maia Sandu on the nomination of a new candidate for prime minister, arguing that the process is merely a formality rather than a genuine political dialogue.
The National Alternative Movement (MAN), led by Ion Ceban, confirmed that it will boycott the consultations, describing them as “a show for the public and international partners.” In a statement published on Friday, Ceban said the consultations only imitate democratic processes, which is why his party decided not to attend.
Ceban also argued that in a parliamentary republic, the leader of the party that won the elections should assume the office of prime minister. According to him, PAS leader Igor Grosu has the responsibility to take over the position and personally answer for the government’s results.
The MAN leader reiterated his party’s call for early parliamentary elections, saying that citizens should decide who governs the country. He added that MAN’s official position, together with its proposals, will be submitted in writing to President Maia Sandu and representatives of the international community.
The Party of Development and Consolidation of Moldova (PDCM), led by MP Ion Chicu, also criticized the consultations. In a Facebook post, Chicu argued that the discussions would only make sense if President Sandu first explained why former Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu had been removed from office.
“For these consultations to have any meaning, Maia Sandu must honestly explain why she removed the previous prime minister. We know the reason – because he wanted to begin eliminating nepotism in the country. She did not accept that. What is there to consult about?” Chicu wrote.
Our Party, led by Renato Usatii, likewise announced that it will not participate in the consultations. According to Usatii, Moldova does not need “PAS Government 4.0,” but either a government of professionals formed with the participation of both parliamentary and extra-parliamentary parties or early parliamentary elections.
Usatii argued that consultations only have value if there is a genuine intention to find solutions for the country. In his view, political decisions are made before the official meetings take place, while the constitutionally required consultations merely serve as formal confirmation. To illustrate his point, he compared the process to a wedding where every important decision has already been made before the ceremony begins.
The Our Party leader also reiterated his belief that the next prime minister would remain in office only until the beginning of 2027, making early parliamentary elections the most likely scenario.
President Maia Sandu’s consultations with parliamentary factions began on Friday, July 10, and are being held in accordance with the Constitution to nominate a candidate for prime minister and facilitate the formation of a new government. Meetings on the first day are scheduled with the Democracy at Home faction, Our Party, Alternativa, the Party of Communists, and the Party of Socialists, while the President is expected to meet with the PAS parliamentary faction on Saturday, July 11.
The consultations follow the resignation of Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu, who announced on July 3 that he was stepping down after a short time in office. In a statement published on Facebook, Munteanu cited both personal and principled reasons, saying he could no longer continue serving in accordance with his convictions.
So far, MAN, Our Party, and PDCM have all confirmed that they will not participate in the presidential consultations.