Recean's term - one of stability and resilience

The withdrawal of Prime Minister Dorin Recean from political life marks the end of a crisis phase and the beginning of a modernization period for the Republic of Moldova, experts said. According to them, Recean's term was one of resilience and adaptation, during which the Government managed to maintain internal stability and a pro-European direction in a hostile geopolitical context. Recean-led executive consolidated state institutions and efficiently managed the Russian Federation's hybrid warfare, and the new Government must focus on economic development, energy security, and justice reform.

On the other hand, Dorin Recean might return to the political scene, possibly as a presidential candidate, considering his experience in interinstitutional cooperation and strong European-level relations. The decision to withdraw is strictly personal and does not affect the country's European path, as the Action and Solidarity Party will appoint a new prime minister based on the same pro-European priorities.

Ștefan Bejan, WatchDog.MD expert: “Recean's withdrawal ends a crisis stage and opens one of modernization for the Republic of Moldova”

The withdrawal of Prime Minister Dorin Recean from political life marks the close of a stage characterized by successive crises and the strengthening of state institutions. This is the opinion of WatchDog.MD expert, Ștefan Bejan, who states that Recean's mandate was one of resilience, adaptation, and maintenance of internal stability in a hostile geopolitical context.


“Recean's withdrawal ends a phase marked by crises, as well as by institutionalization. It was a mandate of resilience and adaptation, in which the Government managed to maintain internal stability in a difficult geopolitical context. A new stage for the Republic of Moldova follows, where the main challenge will not be survival but actual modernization,” said Bejan.


The expert emphasizes that one of the undeniable merits of Recean's mandate is the efficient management of the hybrid war waged by the Russian Federation against the Republic of Moldova. Despite cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and destabilization attempts, state institutions remained functional, and the police became a respected and citizen-serving institution, not a political tool.


“Although justice reform remains a complex and difficult process, Recean Government has made constant efforts for the justice system to be cleaner and to serve the citizen, not criminal and oligarchic groups. All these aspects contributed to the organization of free and fair elections. Despite massive efforts, the pro-Russian faction failed to discredit the electoral process and bring serious evidence of fraud,” the WatchDog.MD expert added.


According to Ștefan Bejan, the results achieved by Recean Government confirm that despite crises and external pressures, the executive managed to maintain the country's pro-European direction and protect the state from foreign interventions.


“With Recean's departure, the future prime minister will inherit a loaded agenda but also stronger institutions,” he noted.


The expert believes the top priority of the new government must be economic development so that the benefits of European integration directly reflect in the citizens' lives.


“Raising salaries, attracting investments, and modernizing infrastructure must become central objectives,” Bejan added.


In his opinion, national security remains a major challenge, especially in the context of the persistent energy crisis and the vulnerabilities in the Transnistrian region. Strengthening energy independence and cyber defense capabilities are essential for the stability of the Republic of Moldova.

Another critical area remains justice. The cleanup process must continue without hesitation, and corruption in the courts must be treated as a direct threat to democracy. Furthermore, the upcoming Government has the mission of building efficient dialogue with the autonomy of Gagauzia, in a framework of mutual respect and cooperation, to avoid the exploitation of regional tensions by the Russian Federation.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean recently announced that he is stepping down from a possible new term and withdrawing from political life, including from the position of deputy. Recean was appointed prime minister in February 2023, becoming the third longest-serving head of government in the history of the Republic of Moldova, after Vasile Tarlev and Vlad Filat.

His mandate began in a complicated internal and external context—marked by rampant inflation, social discontent, and an unprecedented hybrid offensive launched by the Russian Federation against Chișinău. Despite these challenges, Recean Government managed to maintain political and economic stability and defend the country's European path.



Mihai Isac: “Dorin Recean may withdraw temporarily from politics and run in the next presidential elections”

Romanian political analyst Mihai Isac considers that Prime Minister Dorin Recean may temporarily withdraw from politics to prepare a possible candidacy in the presidential elections. At the same time, the expert claims that individuals from outside active politics or former dignitaries with experience in the European integration process could be nominated for the prime minister's position.


“The possibility of Mr. Recean no longer being prime minister was evoked by various official sources of the ruling party, but his withdrawal from politics, at least temporarily, surprised an important part of the political class in Chișinău. Being one of the figures that stood out as an important personality in government in recent years, Mr. Recean was not a PAS member during his tenure as prime minister.

At the same time, Recean might try to withdraw, at least for a while, from politics, and it is very likely that we will hear his name when possible presidential candidacies emerge in the future. We must understand that Recean governed the Republic of Moldova during a very tough period in recent political history. His capability of organizing interinstitutional collaboration and the political relations he has at the European Union level, especially with the German side, helped the Republic of Moldova overcome this hurdle,” said Mihai Isac.




The analyst underlines that Recean's experience and capability to coordinate interinstitutional collaboration, as well as his political relations at the European level, especially with Germany, were essential for overcoming some difficult moments in the recent political history of the Republic of Moldova.


“Even if his government has aspects to be criticized for, the fact that he led the governance during a period of uncertainty related to the Ukraine conflict and internal tensions demonstrates his political maturity. He is an experienced politician, and I'm sure he will remain active in politics, either in front of his party or alongside the PAS team,” Isac added.


According to the analyst, possible candidates for the prime minister's role include people outside the party—Vasile Tofan, with European beliefs and business experience, but also former officials such as Nicu Popescu, the head of diplomacy and first deputy prime minister, recognized internationally for his role in bringing the Republic of Moldova closer to the European Union. Other names mentioned – Mihai Popșoi, Marcel Spătari.

Ion Tăbârță: “Dorin Recean's decision is personal. The European integration vector will continue”

Political analyst Ion Tăbârță thinks that Recean's withdrawal from political life does not have a political substrate and does not affect the European path of the Republic of Moldova. According to the expert, the prime minister's decision not to continue in office is strictly personal.


“Recean's decision is personal, without political reasons, and does not indicate any disagreements within the party. It is no secret that in political circles, a departure had been discussed for a long time. Moreover, it was said he wanted to leave earlier but was asked by the party leadership and the head of state to continue his mandate until after elections,” declared Ion Tăbârță.




According to the analyst, Dorin Recean is leaving political life permanently, and the Action and Solidarity Party will nominate a new candidate for the prime minister's position, based on governance priorities.


“Recean was number two on the list, and his withdrawal is a democratic practice, a natural option for any candidate. Several names have been discussed for this position, but there is no official decision yet,” remarked Tăbârță.


The political analyst stressed that the change at the Government's top will not affect the country's development direction.


“The European integration vector of the Republic of Moldova will definitely continue,” he concluded.




Two weeks after the parliamentary elections, Speaker, PAS leader Igor Grosu, together with Recean made press statements. The officials assured that the Republic of Moldova will firmly continue its European integration path, based on the PAS mandate obtained in the recent election.

Igor Grosu announced that the party will propose a new candidate for the prime minister position after Dorin Recean decided for personal reasons to end his activity as the Government leader, even though the party offered him the possibility to continue his mandate.