Moldova’s President Maia Sandu has officially nominated businessman Vasile Tofan as the nation’s next prime minister. The appointment, announced on Saturday, follows the resignation of Alexandru Munteanu earlier this month, who vacated the post after less than eight months citing irreconcilable differences with the ruling majority.
In a social media video, Sandu outlined that Tofan’s primary mandate, should he receive parliamentary approval, will be to advance the country’s integration into the European Union. Furthermore, the President tasked the nominee with revitalizing the economy and fortifying the resilience of both state institutions and society. Tofan, who turns 44 on Sunday, holds a degree in public management from the Netherlands and is a graduate of Harvard Business School. He currently serves as a managing partner at Horizon Capital, a private equity firm focused on assets in Moldova and Ukraine, and previously chaired the board of the Purcari winery.
Igor Grosu, leader of the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), confirmed on Friday that he selected Tofan for the role. Grosu noted that the nominee is aligned with the party’s objectives, specifically regarding institutional reform, economic growth, and the pursuit of EU accession. Tofan had been previously considered for the premiership last year before Munteanu’s initial appointment.
The outgoing prime minister, Alexandru Munteanu, had previously worked at the World Bank alongside Sandu. He resigned on 3 July, stating he could no longer fulfill his duties in accordance with his personal principles and convictions. Tofan now faces a two-week window to secure support from parliament, a process that requires the submission of a formal government program and a proposed list of cabinet ministers.
The push for new leadership comes as Moldova continues its European trajectory. On 23 June 2022, Moldova and Ukraine were officially granted EU candidate status, and last month, the European Union launched the first round of formal accession negotiations with both nations.
The Moldovan businessman now has two weeks to secure parliamentary backing, a prospect he hopes to achieve after submitting his government programme and his ministerial cabinet nominations.
