Andrei Curăraru: Munteanu's exit reflects strained ties with leadership
Alexandru Munteanu's decision to resign from his position as Prime Minister indicates that his relationship with the ruling party's leadership was not very strong. This viewpoint was shared by public policy expert Andrei Curăraru in a video posted on social media.
“A statesman would have ensured a smooth transition during his interim. Politically, this decision speaks volumes. It indicates that the relationship between the ruling party, the presidency, and Mr. Munteanu has soured significantly. From an outsider's perspective, it appears to have ended quite poorly, creating a chaotic situation. Nonetheless, the Republic of Moldova must continue its economic growth program, implement European reforms, and prepare for the intergovernmental conference, where we aim to open two more negotiation clusters," stated Curăraru.
In the three decades of independence, the Republic of Moldova has experienced two other instances where the acting prime minister declined to serve in an interim capacity until a new cabinet was appointed.
Andrei Curăraru recalls the technocrat prime minister Chiril Gaburici, who took office in February 2015 with the support of the Democratic Party, the Party of Communists, and the Liberal Democratic Party. Gaburici was the first prime minister to be backed by a minority coalition, but he officially announced his resignation in June of the same year. This decision was made amid a criminal investigation regarding the alleged falsification of his academic diplomas, during which he stated that he was “a manager, not a politician.”
The second case involved Ion Chicu, who became prime minister in November 2019. A year later, in December 2020, just hours before a motion of censure by the opposition was to be discussed in Parliament and a day before the inauguration of the new president, Maia Sandu, Chicu announced his resignation.
“I expect the president to quickly appoint a new candidate. The state is moving forward, but when you promise a smooth transition, you must uphold that promise; you don’t just leave the key under the doormat for someone else,” concluded Curăraru.
Alexandru Munteanu announced his resignation on Friday, July 3, via a Facebook post, stating that he could no longer fulfill his mandate "in accordance with the principles and beliefs" he holds.
By decree signed on July 7 by President Maia Sandu, the interim position of prime minister will be held by Eugeniu Osmochescu, the Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization.
