Moldova Approves New Pro-EU Government

Moldova's parliament on Tuesday approved a new government led by 45-year-old financier Vasile Tofan. Fifty-three lawmakers from President Maia Sandu's ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) backed his cabinet, while opposition lawmakers abstained.

Tofan takes office after the surprise resignation of his predecessor, Alexandru Munteanu, who served for only eight months. The government's program is titled The European Economy, an Efficient State and focuses on reviving the economy and advancing Moldova's integration into the European Union.

The new prime minister aims to open all EU accession chapters by the end of this year, sign an accession agreement by 2028 and prepare the country for full membership by 2030.

On the economic front, Tofan plans to cut the budget deficit by two percentage points by 2029, reform the tax system, reduce bureaucracy and privatize at least 10 state-owned enterprises.

His government also plans to promote investment in technology and artificial intelligence, boost exports of higher-value products and combat the shadow economy. Moldova's economy is expected to grow by 2% this year, reflecting the impact of the war in neighboring Ukraine.

(Reuters, Max)