Following Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu’s resignation, President Maia Sandu is expected to hold a press conference. However, it remains unclear whether she will also announce a new nominee for the post of prime minister.
Under Moldovan law, the resignation of the prime minister automatically triggers the resignation of the entire government. The outgoing prime minister may continue serving in a caretaker capacity until a new government is sworn in, or may explicitly refuse to perform these duties at any time.
“The refusal shall be expressed by submitting a written request to the President of the Republic of Moldova or through a public announcement. It enters into force and becomes irrevocable from the moment the request is submitted or the announcement is made,” the Law on Government states.
If Alexandru Munteanu declines to serve as caretaker prime minister, President Maia Sandu may appoint an acting prime minister from among the current members of the government.
Under the Constitution, the president must designate a new candidate for prime minister after consulting the parliamentary factions.
The nominee for prime minister must, within 15 days of being designated, seek a vote of confidence from Parliament on both the government’s program and the full list of cabinet members.
Article 85 of Moldova’s Constitution provides that Parliament may be dissolved if it fails to approve a new government within 45 days of the first request for a confidence vote, and only after rejecting at least two proposed governments.