Sandu Nominates Business Executive to Lead Moldova’s Next Government
CHISINAU- Moldovan President Maia Sandu on Saturday nominated businessman Vasile Tofan as the country’s next prime minister, tasking him with advancing European Union integration, strengthening state institutions and revitalizing the economy after the resignation of Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.
Announcing the nomination in a video posted on social media, Sandu said that, if confirmed by parliament, Tofan’s immediate priorities should include moving Moldova forward on its path toward European Union integration, reinforcing the resilience of state institutions and society, and reviving economic growth.
Under Moldova’s constitutional procedures, Tofan has two weeks to seek parliamentary approval by presenting a governing program and nominating members of his cabinet.
The nomination follows the resignation of Munteanu on July 3 after less than eight months in office. Munteanu said he could no longer fulfill his mandate in line with his principles and convictions, citing differences with the ruling majority.
Tofan had previously been mentioned as a potential candidate for the premiership before Munteanu’s appointment last year. His nomination was formally backed on Friday by Igor Grosu, the leader of Sandu’s governing Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), which won parliamentary elections in September.
Grosu said he and Tofan shared the same strategic priorities, including advancing Moldova’s accession to the European Union, pursuing institutional reforms and promoting economic development.
Tofan is a managing partner at Horizon Capital, a private equity firm focused on investments in Ukraine and Moldova. He has also served as chairman of the board of Moldova’s Purcari winery.
The incoming nominee brings an academic background in business and public administration. He graduated from Harvard Business School and also holds a degree in public management from the Netherlands. Tofan turns 44 on Sunday.
Munteanu, like Sandu, previously worked at the World Bank and had been appointed with a mandate to stimulate Moldova’s economy while accelerating the country’s integration with the European Union.
Moldova has made EU membership a central objective under Sandu’s presidency as the country seeks closer political and economic ties with the bloc while pursuing domestic reforms.
Last month, the European Union officially launched the first round of accession negotiations with both Moldova and neighboring Ukraine, marking a significant milestone in the enlargement process and reinforcing the pro-European government’s strategic agenda.
If confirmed by parliament, Tofan will take office at a time when Moldova is seeking to maintain reform momentum, strengthen public institutions and advance negotiations aimed at eventual membership in the European Union.
