Moldova PM resigns in surprise move, triggering government collapse

Moldova PM resigns in surprise move, triggering government collapse
Alexandru Munteanu takes his oath as Moldova's new Prime Minister, in Chisinau, Moldova, 1 November, 2025
Reuters

Alexandru Munteanu announced his resignation on Friday (3 July) in a surprise move that automatically triggers the fall of Moldova’s government.

Munteanu, who had served as prime minister since November 2025, gave no detailed explanation for stepping down.

“Today, my term as Prime Minister comes to an end,” he wrote on X, saying he could no longer carry out his mandate “in accordance with my principles and convictions.”

The resignation presents a fresh political challenge for President Maia Sandu and her ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS).

Sandu said Munteanu would remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a successor is formally appointed. The President told reporters the process could move “quickly”, adding that she plans to begin consultations with parliamentary factions next week before nominating a new prime minister.

Moldova’s EU push

Munteanu was appointed after PAS secured a decisive victory in the September 2025 parliamentary election, defeating Russia-leaning rivals and strengthening Moldova’s bid for closer ties with the European Union.

Before entering office, the 62-year-old spent more than two decades abroad, including working for the World Bank.

Moldova, which borders Ukraine and Romania, remains a candidate for EU membership.

Its domestic politics have long swung between pro-European forces and parties favouring closer ties with Russia, reflecting divisions between its Romanian-speaking majority and sizeable Russian-speaking minority.

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