Moldovan parliament speaker says country must have government as soon as possible, there is no time to lose

Moldova must have a government as soon as possible. Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu has made statements to this effect, after today's parliamentary session was held. At the same time, President Maia Sandu announced the initiation of consultations with parliamentary factions on the nomination of a candidate for the prime minister position.

“Let's see how the consultations go. It's good that today all the factions announced their formation, because if this hadn't happened and someone had used the right to announce within 10 days, then consultations would have been postponed. But I congratulate them and I'm glad that everyone is aware that the country must have a government as soon as possible,” said Igor Grosu at the “In Context” TV show on at the public TV station.

The parliament speaker expressed hope that the stages of nominating the candidate for prime minister and forming the government can be completed as soon as possible, so that the new cabinet can start working.

“Tomorrow there are consultations, we are invited for Friday. I hope the candidate will be announced quite soon, so they can start preparing the governing program, the team of ministers. I would prefer not to use the full 15-day term which the legislation gives to the candidate, but to complete this stage sooner,” said Igor Grosu.

The speaker avoided giving details about the new composition of the government, noting that the decision on the government team will be made by the candidate for the prime minister's position.

“I think we should wait a little for the candidate for the prime minister position to announce that. I only know that discussions are ongoing, in order to better understand which portfolios are available, what the priorities are, to familiarize themselves with potential candidates, their profiles. Ultimately, of course, he will be the one to present and come with this offer, with the team of ministers. We will be waiting for them in Parliament,” noted Igor Grosu.

The official said that one of the new government’s priorities would be strengthening economic growth and attracting investments.

“We proposed changing the focus a bit, to intensify our efforts on the economic growth dimension, attracting investments, everything regarding citizens' welfare, because all policies need to translate into this,” emphasized Igor Grosu.

In this context, the speaker said that an essential element would be the support package worth 1.9 billion euros provided by the European Union, which needs to be judiciously utilized.”

“We start with the 1.9 billion euros economic development plan generously provided by the EU, which needs to be utilized very judiciously, promptly and focused, bringing people in. And here, when we thought about the profile of the future prime minister, the team, the idea emerged that we need to strengthen a cabinet, and our attention, of course, from parliament, on this dimension. Because having money, having these resources is not enough, the capabilities to turn to good account these resources are just as important,” specified the speaker.

Igor Grosu also highlighted that Alexandru Munteanu, the candidate put forward by the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) for the prime minister position, comes with an individual approach on the dimensions of economic growth and attracting investments.

“I liked Mr. Munteanu's approach, beyond his practical experience as an investor. His approach is quite pragmatic, individual. If you want, and we want this, to attract serious investors, the approach must be individual. So, practically, you contact and approach them directly. Not only writing strategies, launching them, making public presentations at conferences, and waiting for someone to find you. (...) In the competition for foreign investors, this must be the approach, because we have no time to lose,” specified Igor Grosu.

The parliament of the 12th legislative period was constituted, and at the meeting, PAS leader Igor Grosu was re-elected as parliament speaker.

 

Additionally, President Maia Sandu invited parliamentary factions and groups to consultations on the nomination of the candidate for the prime minister position. The discussions will take place on October 23 and 24.

According to the Constitution, the nominated candidate for the prime minister position will request, within 15 days, the parliament’s confidence vote on the activity program and the members of the cabinet of ministers. To be appointed, the new government must get the vote of the majority of deputies.

On October 14, PAS announced that it would put forward Alexandru Munteanu for the prime minister position.