Moldova has chosen a new minister as it seeks to become a member of the EU European Union news

Vasile Tofan, a political newcomer, took over the role of his successors to push Moldova closer to Europe and away from Russia.

Moldova’s parliament has elected financier Vasile Tofan as prime minister and approved his new government.

Tofan was approved by a vote of 53 to 21, with 21 abstentions, on Tuesday, ending three weeks of uncertainty and reaffirming the position of the previous pro-European Union government.

He replaced Alexandru Munteanu, who suddenly he came down without a valid reason after just eight months, which led to the resignation of his minister.

“Our program is called ‘European Economy, State Effective State’. This is a commitment that we will try to achieve, and it is this commitment that we are asking to be judged,” Tofan said in the parliament.

Although Tofan is not affiliated with any party, he has received the support of President Maia Sandu and her Action and Solidarity Party. Sandu, who nominated Tofan, said that Moldova needs a united government to reach the EU.

The country is one of the poorest countries in Europe; its economy grew by 2.4 percent last year. The new minister promises to revive the economy, reduce the budget deficit, sell public companies and push forward with EU membership.

His strategy aims to advance Moldova’s EU membership negotiations this year, reach an accession agreement by the end of 2028 and be ready to join the bloc by 2030.

Moldova won the opportunity to join the EU together with Ukraine in 2022, and the two opened the membership discussion last month.

Over the years, power in Moldova has shifted between pro-EU parties and those who want closer relations with Russia, which the EU says. intervention in national elections. Moldova has a large Romanian-speaking population, but few of its citizens speak Russian.

Full EU membership is still years away and depends on the changes Moldova agrees to make after accession.