Moldova’s parliament has confirmed businessman Vasile Tofan as the country’s new prime minister, following the collapse of the previous government amid a scandal involving a state institution.
Tofan, a prominent financier and long-time informal adviser to President Maia Sandu and her ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), is entering public office for the first time.
In his first address to parliament, he pledged to overhaul the state administration, reduce public spending, combat waste, and accelerate economic reforms.
“Our main strategic objective is to sign an EU accession treaty by 2028,” Tofan told lawmakers.
President Sandu has previously stated that she hopes Moldova will join the EU by 2030.
Tofan is widely credited with introducing Western corporate governance standards to Moldova’s banking sector and helping modernize parts of the country’s economy.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he also opened facilities at the Château Purcari winery to Ukrainian refugees.
Despite his business reputation, some analysts question whether his lack of political experience could complicate efforts to deliver reforms amid growing public dissatisfaction.
Political analyst Sergiu Tofilat said Tofan is regarded as a competent figure with a strong anti-corruption stance, but warned that the new government inherits a crisis of confidence following a series of scandals affecting the ruling party.
Whether Tofan can restore public trust while keeping Moldova’s EU accession process on track is likely to become one of the defining challenges of his premiership.
