New government might be sworn in in several weeks; Moldovan president says new cabinet to have to carry out many reforms

A new government, resulting from the parliamentary elections held on September 28, might be sworn in in a few weeks. President Maia Sandu has made statements to this effect at the show, In Context, broadcast on the public television channel Moldova 1.

"A few weeks, if we look at the legislation: the time needed for the Central Electoral Commission to present the final report, after which the Constitutional Court is to confirm the results. It's a matter of weeks," the head of state specified.

Maia Sandu emphasized that the new cabinet of ministers would prioritize implementing the reforms stipulated in the roadmap for Moldova’s European integration.

"There are 35 chapters in the European integration roadmap. In the next two-three years, we have to make changes and adjust ourselves to EU standards. The next government and the new parliamentary majority will discuss these aspects more concretely. It is clear what citizens expect and what is stipulated in the roadmap. We will have many reforms to carry out," the president said.

The head of state also said that the topic of European integration of Moldova would also be discussed at the Summit of the European Political Community, which she will attend on October 1. The Moldovan president noted that, after the elections, she had received numerous congratulatory and support messages on behalf of the European leaders.

"I haven't managed to read all messages, but there were many, all conveying encouragement, admiration and support. The messages on behalf of EU leaders were quite clear: 'we support you'. Tomorrow I will go to the EPC summit, where we will discuss the European integration of Moldova," Maia Sandu said.

At the same time, the head of state said that, at the September 28 elections, the country had faced significant attacks and pressures. "Many believed we would not withstand, because the pressures were high, and the attacks we were subjected to were very strong," she said.

According to preliminary results, five political formations have passed the electoral threshold and were able to enter the future parliament: the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), the Democracy at Home Party (PPDA), the Patriotic Electoral Bloc of Socialists, Communists, Heart and Future of Moldova (BEP), the Alternative  Electoral Bloc (BEA) and Our Party (PN). PAS is leading decisively with 50.20% of the votes, securing 55 seats and a parliamentary majority. Compared to the 2021 elections, the formation got about 16,000 more votes. The other electoral competitors garnered less than 1 per cent of the votes.