President Maia Sandu has signed a decree appointing Eugen Osmochescu as Moldova’s acting prime minister from July 8. The decree appointing the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation to temporarily lead the Government was signed on July 7.
The decision followed Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu’s refusal to remain at the head of the cabinet, even in an acting capacity. Osmochescu will lead the Government until a new cabinet is formed. His appointment was the choice of President Sandu, although several other deputy prime ministers were reportedly under consideration, including Mihai Popșoi, Valeriu Chiveri and Cristina Gherasimov.
Acting prime minister faces scrutiny over past statements
The appointment has raised questions because Osmochescu is known not only for his economic initiatives but also for several high-profile statements.
He previously claimed that Moldova faced a shortage of 300,000 workers and that the authorities intended to attract migrants to fill the gap. He later distanced himself from the remarks, saying they had been misinterpreted.
However, speaking on TVR Moldova in May, he said: “To achieve the minimum productivity level of the European Union, we need 300,000 people. I personally believe we need to import labour. (…) We need to do this because we must view the economy as a vehicle. A vehicle cannot start without fuel, (…) and workers are that energy.”
Osmochescu has also described the unification of the Republic of Moldova with Romania as a “fallback option”.
In an interview with Euractiv, he said: “This is Plan B. If the EU accession process stalls after 2028, then political leaders will seriously consider alternatives.”
According to sources in government circles, Osmochescu has also supported the production of drones in Moldova and has considered attracting investment from the European Union and Ukraine for that purpose.
Appointment follows political crisis
The appointment of Moldova’s acting prime minister comes amid a political crisis. Alexandru Munteanu had initially been expected to remain as acting head of government. However, according to sources, he refused, saying that he “could not fulfil the mandate in accordance with his principles and convictions”.
The post was subsequently handed to the Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation, placing Eugen Osmochescu in charge of the cabinet until a new government is formed.
