Consultations over a New Government in Chisinau

The pro-western political class in Chisinau has less than two weeks to avoid early elections, which, according to polls, the pro-Russian socialist and populist left wing would most likely win.

România Internațional, 19.01.2016, 13:03

The latest Prime Minister Designate of the Republic of Moldova, the Democrat Pavel Filip, has started consultations with the parliamentary parties and the unaffiliated MPs who supported his designation. 55 out of a total of 101 MPs support Filips candidacy. However, as this majority comprises liberals, promoters of the reunification with Romania, but also former communists, traditionally pro-Russian, last minute surprises are likely to occur. Both the distribution of portfolios and the governing program must take into account the ambitions and sensibilities of each parliamentary group. The Prime Minister Designate has stated he wants a team of professionals, and that acceding to Europe will remain a priority for the future government. Pavel Filip:

“The first priority is the EU accession and integration. Actually, the governing program would translate into the implementation of the EU – the Republic of Moldova Association Agreement. Ive listened to several proposals made by the parliamentary groups, and they will definitely be taken into consideration.

According to the Radio Romania correspondents in Chisinau, the MPs that are part of the new majority will split in four working groups and participate in the development of the future governing program. Here is one of the 14 former Communist MPs who have joined the new majority, Violeta Ivanov:

“We have already established the working groups and we are now starting to work on improving and completing the program within a few days, so that its implementation can ensure citizens welfare and meet societys expectations.

On behalf of the six Liberal Democrats who support Filips candidacy, running counter to the party leaderships decision to join the opposition, Ion Balan has pleaded for including some radical reforms into the governing program, aimed at securing more votes for investiture:

“We are still waiting for our colleagues to show more support for this government, because during the talks weve had there have been many voices saying they are in favour of this government, provided all requirements and objectives are included in and implemented under the governing program.

A party colleague of the Prime Minister Designate, the deputy Valentina Buliga has made some promises:

“The sometimes sad experience of us going separate ways has taught us a lesson and we should not forget that the government must be professional and pragmatic and formed not on political criteria alone.

Unless the new Government is invested by January 29th, Parliament must be dissolved. Already disappointed with the dismissal, within only three months, of three other proposals for the office of Prime Minister – Ion Sturza, Vlad Plahotniuc and Ion Paduraru – whose appointments had been set forth as a sure fact, analysts in Chisinau are now very reluctant to making any predictions regarding the future of the potential Filip Cabinet.

(Translated by M. Ignatescu)