Moldova’s President Maia Sandu has dealt a surprise blow to her own party, nominating a private-equity outsider, Vasile Tofan, to replace the outgoing prime minister, Alexandru Munteanu, who resigned less than a year into office.
According to Sandu, Tofan’s primary task, after securing parliamentary backing, will be to propel the country further towards EU integration, a high-stakes gamble that could either catapult Moldova into the European mainstream or leave it stranded on the periphery.
In a video posted to social media, Sandu emphasized Tofan’s role in strengthening state institutions, reviving the economy, and making Moldova a more attractive investment destination.
Tofan, a Harvard Business School graduate and managing partner at Horizon Capital, a private equity firm with assets in Ukraine and Moldova, has now got two weeks to convince the parliament to back his candidacy.
Interestingly, Tofan’s nomination has been met with a mix of reactions from within Sandu’s Action and Solidarity Party (PAS). PAS leader Igor Grosu announced on Friday that he had selected Tofan as his candidate, citing their shared objectives, including EU accession, institutional reform, and economic growth.
However, some within the party are reportedly miffed at Sandu’s decision, viewing it as a betrayal of her party’s principles and a power play to consolidate her own influence.
Munteanu, another businessman who had been chosen to boost the economy and bring Moldova closer to the EU, had been struggling to win over PAS’s support. He resigned on 3 July, stating that he could no longer carry out his mandate according to his principles and convictions.
The EU’s decision to launch accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova last month has added further complexity to the situation. Both countries became official EU candidate countries on 23 June 2022.
As Moldova navigates this treacherous landscape, Tofan’s appointment raises questions about the country’s geopolitical leverage. Will Sandu’s gamble pay off, or will it backfire, leaving Moldova vulnerable to external pressures?
The answer lies in Tofan’s ability to deliver on his promises and secure the necessary parliamentary backing. If successful, he will not only become the country’s new prime minister but also a key player in shaping Moldova’s future.
Additional sources: AFP
Source: Euro News
