Moldova president picks financier Vasile Tofan to form new government after PM's sudden exit

Sudden departure creates vacancy

Former Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu unexpectedly resigned at the beginning of July, triggering a government crisis in Chișinău. Munteanu had led the government since November 2024, but no reason for his resignation was made public. President Maia Sandu opened consultations with all parliamentary factions, yet only the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), which holds an absolute majority, took part. Opposition parties boycotted the talks, leaving Sandu to work solely with PAS on a successor.

Financier with a Harvard pedigree nominated

On Saturday, 11 July, Sandu announced the nomination of Vasile Tofan, a 44-year-old private equity executive and senior partner at Horizon Capital, during a press conference. Tofan, who studied at Erasmus University Rotterdam and Harvard Business School, is a prominent figure in Moldovan business circles. He supported Sandu in the 2024 presidential election and is closely aligned with PAS, which had formally proposed him a day earlier. Sandu said the choice reflected the country's strategic direction.

As a result of discussions with parliamentary factions that attended, starting from the objectives and priorities of the Republic of Moldova, I decided to designate Mr. Vasile Tofan as candidate for the function of prime minister of the Republic of Moldova.

EU accession by 2028 the central aim

Tofan set a clear timeline for his premiership: signing the European Union accession treaty by 2028. He described the nomination as a "great responsibility" rather than a personal milestone, and pledged immediate action to restore public trust. Economic revival and institutional resilience were listed as parallel objectives by both Sandu and Tofan. Sandu stated the next cabinet must ensure Moldova completes all integration processes, strengthens state and societal resilience, and restarts the economy to raise living standards.

I do not see this designation as a personal achievement, but as a great responsibility. I will get to work immediately and do everything possible to meet the expectations of Moldovans. The priority is to regain the people's trust through courage, reforms and results. We will not succeed without a strong economy, built on the ground, together with entrepreneurs. Governance is a team sport. You will have in me an ally to bring the Republic of Moldova into the European Union. This is our chance.

A clear path through parliament

PAS leader and Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu guaranteed the majority's backing, telling the nominee they would support him swiftly. The constitution gives Tofan 15 days from 11 July to present his governing programme and secure a vote of confidence. With PAS holding an absolute majority, the vote is expected to proceed smoothly, barring internal party dissent.

We make a team and we await you as soon as possible in Parliament.