Moldova has a minority coalition

On 23 January 2015, following tough negotiations lasting almost two months, Moldova’s two largest pro-European groupings, the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM, 23 seats) and the Democratic Party (PDM, 19 seats), sealed a coalition agreement. The Liberal Party (13 seats) also took part in the talks, but was not finally accepted as a coalition partner because PLDM and PDM rejected its key demands (including a depoliticisation of the prosecutor general’s office, which is now controlled by the democrats). The new minority coalition has named itself the Political Alliance for a European Moldova (APME).

Pursuant to the coalition agreement, PLDM will decide on the choice of the prime minister and the staffing of nine ministries (including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Finance) and of two parliamentary commissions. PDM will decide on the choice of the parliamentary speaker and the staffing of seven ministries (including the ministries for the economy, transport and regional development) and two commissions. The agreement emphasises that European integration is a matter of top priority for the government. Adrian Candu, who had served as a minister for the economy, was elected parliamentary speaker.