Moldova nominates Vasile Tofan as prime minister

Moldovan President Maia Sandu nominated businessman Vasile Tofan as prime minister on July 11, putting his appointment before parliament after Alexandru Munteanu resigned.

Sandu said Tofan's first responsibility, if approved, should be to advance Moldova's integration into the European Union. She also said he should strengthen state and social resilience and revive the economy.

Tofan has two weeks to seek parliamentary backing and submit a government programme and ministerial nominations. Igor Grosu, head of Sandu's Action and Solidarity Party, said he chose Tofan as the party's candidate and shared objectives including EU accession, institutional reform and economic growth.

Tofan is a managing partner at Horizon Capital, a private equity firm focused on Ukraine and Moldova, and has chaired the board of Purcari winery. Munteanu resigned on July 3 after less than eight months, saying he could no longer carry out his mandate according to his principles and convictions.