Economist and businessman Alexandru Munteanu nominated by President Maia Sandu following electoral victory.
Moldova's pro-European President, Maia Sandu, has nominated economist and businessman Alexandru Munteanu as the country's new prime minister.
This decision follows the decisive victory of her ruling party, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), in Moldova's recent parliamentary elections.
The PAS secured 55 out of 101 seats, enabling them to form a government independently.
The election process was marred by allegations of Russian interference, which Moscow denied.
The appointment of Munteanu aims to bolster the economy of one of Europe's poorest countries, situated between war-torn Ukraine and EU member Romania.
Sandu stated in a
Facebook post that she appointed Munteanu after consultations with various parliamentary factions.
The Moldovan parliament is expected to confirm his nomination in a vote scheduled for the upcoming week.
Munteanu, 61, lacks political experience but possesses a diverse professional background.
He has been involved in managing investments across Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova since founding his company in 2016.
Additionally, he holds Moldovan, Romanian, and American citizenship.
Munteanu's previous work experience includes stints at the World Bank, similar to Sandu, as well as a professorship that included teaching the outgoing Prime Minister Dorin Recean.
In an interview prior to his nomination, Munteanu expressed frustration with Moldova being labeled one of Europe's poorest countries.
He vowed to make every effort for Moldova to join the European Union by 2028.
This commitment is significant given Moldova's application for EU membership following the outbreak of the Ukraine war and the commencement of accession talks last year.
Munteanu holds a master's degree in economic policy management from Columbia University and another in physics from Moscow State University.
Despite describing him as a 'professional' and 'good economist,' Igor Dodon, the leader of Moldova's pro-Russian Socialist Party, stated that his party would not support Munteanu due to the belief that economics and politics are distinct fields.
Nicolae Negru, a political analyst, noted that Munteanu's nomination signifies a shift in focus from security concerns to economic development.
He emphasized that Moldova's citizens have chosen the European Union path, implying a preference for peace and prosperity.
The new government must address these expectations effectively.
This article provides factual information regarding the appointment of Alexandru Munteanu as Moldova's prime minister and highlights key aspects of his background and the implications of this political move.