On Thursday, the pro-West government led by Dorin Recean was sworn in after securing the Parliament’s approval.
Overview
After former PM Natalia Gavrilita quit her position last week, President Maia Sandu appointed Recean, who had worked as her defence and security advisor for a year. She hails from the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity, which holds 63 seats in the 101-seat parliament.
Recean’s position was confirmed after the party’s 63 legislators unanimously voted to support her leadership. One was absent from the vote.
Meanwhile, the pro-Russia Communists and Socialists parties, which hold 31 seats, abstained from the vote. Six legislators from the Shor Party also boycotted the vote.
Congratulations to @receand on being sworn in as Moldova’s🇲🇩 new PM. The new government will focus on pursuing EU membership, strengthening the economy & enhancing national security. I wish the government success in achieving these goals. pic.twitter.com/AAMIgM7BXU
— Maia Sandu (@sandumaiamd) February 16, 2023
The cabinet will remain the same as it was under Gavrilita, particularly the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Interior Ministry, and Defence Ministry.
Moldova Facing “Multiple Crises”
President Sandu stressed that the new Moldovan government must work through “a very difficult period, marked by multiple crises.” To this end, she said that the new government must ensure security by taking “decisive steps” and further the path of “reconstruction and development.”
As the country works to secure membership in the EU, Sandu highlighted that joining the bloc is necessary to “preserve and strengthen” Chișinău’s democracy.
We welcome the appointment of Dorin Recean @receand as the new Prime Minister of Moldova. We look forward to working with him and his cabinet to pursue political, economic, and anti‑corruption reforms. pic.twitter.com/D0Mgzpe2Be
— Vedant Patel (@StateDeputySpox) February 16, 2023
Recean provided a reassurance of his commitment to reinstating “discipline and order” in Moldovan institutions and ensuring economic prowess, peace, and stability.
He further highlighted that Moldova is particularly vulnerable in light of the Ukraine war, which has caused an energy crisis and a significant influx of refugees. Authorities said on Thursday that debris from Russian missiles that crossed Moldovan skies were found along its regions bordering Ukraine.
Tensions With Russia
During a Monday press conference, Sandu accused Russia of planning to overthrow the pro-EU leadership. This accusation came against the backdrop of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warning her about a “detailed Russian plan to undermine the political situation in Moldova,” which the Ukrainian authorities intercepted last week.
Moldova's place is in the European family.
— Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) February 14, 2023
In this difficult geopolitical context, you can count on @Europarl_EN's trust & solidarity.
President @sandumaiamd, your leadership & courage in pursuing reforms towards EU membership have our full support.
We will walk together 🇪🇺🇲🇩 pic.twitter.com/TQBURUIYIZ
Last April, tensions with Russia heightened after a series of explosions in Transnistria, a Moscow-backed separatist region that houses around 1,500 troops.
Accordingly, Moldova has deepened its partnership with the EU, which granted it official candidate status in June 2022. However, its access to full membership is contingent on legal amendments to counter corruption and reinstate the rule of law.