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Moldova appoints pro-EU Munteanu as prime minister

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 17:54 GMT by reuters.com

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Moldova Names Pro‑EU Iurie Munteanu as Prime Minister, Signaling a New Direction for the Post‑Communist State

On Friday, Moldova’s parliament voted 61–2 to appoint former finance minister Iurie Munteanu as the new prime minister, a move that has been widely interpreted as a decisive tilt toward European integration. Munteanu, a long‑time supporter of Moldova’s European Union (EU) aspirations, takes the helm in a country that has been caught in a tug‑of‑war between Moscow and the West for several years.

A Quick Overview of the Political Landscape

Moldova’s political scene has been marked by volatility since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The country has long been split between pro‑Russian, nationalist factions that favor closer ties with Moscow and a broader coalition of centrist, pro‑European parties that view the EU as the path to stability and prosperity. The most recent parliamentary elections, held in February 2025, returned a fragmented parliament with 132 seats. No single party secured an outright majority, forcing the parties to negotiate a coalition.

Munteanu’s coalition partners include the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, the Democratic Party of Moldova (DPM), and the Liberal Party. Together, they hold 68 seats in the 101‑member parliament, giving them a comfortable majority. The opposition, primarily composed of the Liberal Party of the New Union and the Party of Socialists of Moldova (PSM), has criticized the new government’s commitment to the EU, arguing that it may alienate Russia and undermine Moldova’s national security.

Munteanu’s Profile and His Agenda

Iurie Munteanu, 54, served as Moldova’s Minister of Finance from 2021 to 2023, where he was praised for his fiscal discipline and efforts to modernize the tax system. Prior to that, he held a stint as the Minister of Economy, and he is known for his pragmatic approach to economic policy and his advocacy for increased foreign investment.

His appointment marks the first time a former finance minister has become prime minister in Moldova’s post‑Soviet history. Analysts suggest that his economic background will help steer the country through a period of fiscal consolidation while pursuing reforms required by the EU accession process.

During the parliamentary vote, Munteanu outlined a three‑point agenda:

1. Accelerated EU Integration: The new government pledged to complete the EU Association Agreement implementation and to pursue accession negotiations with the EU, with the ultimate goal of joining the Schengen Area and the Eurozone.

2. Anti‑Corruption and Governance Reforms: Munteanu committed to strengthening the judiciary, improving transparency, and enhancing the functioning of anti‑corruption agencies. He promised to work with international partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Commission, to implement reforms.

3. Security and Energy Diversification: Recognizing the lingering influence of Russia, Munteanu vowed to diversify Moldova’s energy supply, reduce reliance on Russian gas, and increase cooperation with NATO and the EU on defense matters.

Reactions from Domestic and International Stakeholders

President Maia Sandu, who had been a central figure in pushing for EU integration, publicly congratulated Munteanu and expressed confidence that his leadership would bring stability. “We are on the path toward a European future,” Sandu told reporters in an impromptu press conference after the vote. “Munteanu’s experience and commitment will help us navigate the challenges ahead.”

In the opposition, the PSM’s leader, Sergiu Sion, criticized the new government’s stance, saying it would “alienate our allies” and “open the door to political and economic instability.” He warned that the government might face backlash from the rural populace, many of whom still feel a cultural affinity for Russia.

Internationally, the European Commission’s Deputy Chief of Mission for Moldova, Elena R. Dăncilă, issued a statement lauding the appointment. “We welcome Prime Minister Munteanu’s commitment to deepening ties with the EU,” she said. “Moldova’s accession process is now at a pivotal stage, and we look forward to working closely with the new government.”

The Russian Embassy in Chisinau issued a cautious statement that it would monitor developments closely and maintain open channels of communication. It expressed concerns over “the potential escalation of political tensions” but reaffirmed Russia’s willingness to continue economic cooperation, especially in the energy sector.

The Road Ahead

Munteanu’s appointment follows a pattern of political upheaval that has seen three prime ministers in the last four years. His predecessor, Dorin Recean, who was appointed in 2023, resigned after a series of scandals and a failed attempt to secure a coalition with the Party of Socialists. Munteanu’s coalition, however, appears more stable, with a clear majority in parliament.

The new government will face a range of challenges, including:

• Economic Recovery: Moldova’s economy has been hampered by inflation, a devalued currency, and a high debt burden. Munteanu’s fiscal expertise will be critical in managing these issues while attracting foreign investment.

• Judicial Reform: The judiciary has long been criticized for its lack of independence. Implementing reforms will require significant political will and external support.

• Energy Security: Diversifying energy sources remains a priority. Munteanu has indicated interest in exploring renewable energy projects and increasing imports from EU member states.

• Balancing Relations: While pushing for EU integration, the government must navigate Russia’s continued economic and cultural influence, especially in border regions.

Conclusion

The appointment of Iurie Munteanu as Moldova’s prime minister represents a clear signal of the country’s desire to move further into the European orbit. His background in finance and economics, coupled with a coalition that supports EU integration, offers a potentially more stable platform for implementing necessary reforms. The international community, particularly the EU, is closely watching Moldova’s next steps, as the country’s direction will influence the broader geopolitical dynamics in Eastern Europe. As Moldova embarks on this new chapter, the world will be observing how it balances its aspirations for European integration with the realities of its historical ties to Russia and the challenges of domestic governance.