Vasile Tofan, a political newcomer inherits a mandate to move Moldova closer to Europe and away from Russia.
Moldovan lawmakers approved financier Vasile Tofan as prime minister to head a new government tasked with implementing reforms to join the European Union.
Tofan was approved by 53 votes to 21, with 21 abstentions, on Tuesday, ending three weeks of uncertainty and reaffirming the previous government’s pro-EU position.
He replaces Alexandru Munteanu, who resigned last month only eight months into his term.
“Our program is called ‘The European Economy, an Effective State’. This is the commitment we will work towards, and it is by this commitment that we ask to be judged,” Tofan told lawmkers.
Tofan, 46, is not a member of any political party but enjoys the backing of Pro-Western President Maia Sandu and her Party of Action and Solidarity.
He holds Moldovan and Romanian citizenship and said his first official foreign visit would be to neighboring Romania.
Sandu nominated Tofan, saying the country needed a united government to achieve EU membership.
The country is one of Europe’s poorest and lies between EU and NATO member, Romania and Ukraine.
Tofan has promised to revive the economy, cut budget deficits, sell off state-owned companies and press ahead with EU membership, with an accession deal by the end of 2028 and full membership by 2030.
Moldova won EU candidate status alongside Ukraine in 2022, and the two officially opened membership talks last month.
For decades, Moldova has shifted between pro-EU parties and those wanting closer ties with Russia, which the EU accuses of meddling in elections and internal affairs.
