Moldova's Sandu begins consultations to form new government

Moldovan President Maia Sandu has announced the schedule of consultations with parliamentary factions to nominate a candidate for the post of prime minister following the resignation of Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.

The consultations will take place on July 10 and 11 at the presidential administration, according to the presidency.

On Friday, July 10, Sandu is scheduled to meet representatives of the parliamentary factions Democracy at Home, Our Party, Alternative, the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova, and the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM).

On Saturday, July 11, she will hold consultations with the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) faction.

According to the presidential administration, the consultations are being conducted in accordance with Moldova's Constitution and are intended to nominate a candidate for the post of prime minister with a view to forming a new government.

Under the Constitution, the president appoints a candidate for prime minister after consulting parliamentary factions. The nominee must then seek a vote of confidence from Parliament for both the government's program and the proposed cabinet.

On July 7, Eugen Osmochescu, Moldova's Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, was appointed acting prime minister by presidential decree after Alexandru Munteanu declined to serve in the interim role.

Munteanu announced his resignation on July 3, saying in a public statement that he could no longer continue in office without violating his principles and beliefs.

Meanwhile, some opposition parties have announced they will boycott the consultations. Ion Ceban said lawmakers from the National Alternative Movement (MAN) would not participate, arguing that the process is merely a formality.

The Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM) also said it would not attend the consultations. Party leader Igor Dodon claimed the meetings were intended only to create "the appearance of compliance with constitutional provisions."

By Vafa Guliyeva