December 31 (SeeNews) - Moldova's president Maia Sandu said on Thursday that she named foreign affairs and European integration minister Aurel Ciocoi interim prime minister following the resignation of Ion Chicu.
Given that Chicu has refused to serve until the appointment of a new government, the president, according to the Constitution, appoints an interim prime minister from among incumbent members of the cabinet, Sandu said in a statement.
Chicu resigned on December 23 in order to trigger early parliamentary elections, saying that he will serve as interim prime minister only until December 31.
Sandu, former leader of pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), said on Monday that in a few days she would propose a scenario for dissolving the parliament and set a date for early elections, following consultations with all parties.
Moldova's Socialist Party (PSRM), led by former president Igor Dodon who lost to Sandu in November presidential elections, is the biggest force in the 101-seat parliament, with 37 MPs. The Sor Party, led by businessman Ilan Sor, controls 9 seats. The two parties have formed an informal coalition and are in talks on establishing an official one, according to local media reports.
Action and Solidarity Party holds 15 seats, while pro-EU Dignity and Truth Party (PDPDA) controls 11 seats. Democrat Party of Moldova holds 11 seats, Pro-Moldova has 3 seats, while the remaining 15 mandates are held by independent MPs.
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