Moldova has recently appointed a new prime minister who is pro-Western and is seen as a challenge to the Kremlin. The appointment of Maia Sandu follows the ousting of the pro-Russian Prime Minister Pavel Filip after months of protests and political paralysis in the former Soviet state.
Moldova’s Political Stalemate & the Need for a New Prime Minister
Moldova had been in a political deadlock since February 2019 when President Igor Dodon suspended the plans of his predecessor, Filip, and called for snap elections to end the government’s infighting and move beyond the current crisis.
As the stalemate between Dodon and Filip and their respective political camps continued, protests against the established parties grown in intensity and frequency, with Moldovan citizens increasingly criticizing the country’s failure to implement pro-Western reforms and the unchecked influence of tycoons and criminal networks.
The appointed prime minister, Maia Sandu, had been a vocal leader in the popular anti-establishment protest movement. As such, her appointment has been seen as a victory for the popular protest movement and a challenge to the Kremlin-backed regime.
Background on Maia Sandu
Maia Sandu is a former Minister of Education and a former World Bank official with a PhD in economics from the University of Maryland. She leads the pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAȘ) and has a reputation for probity and is a respected name in Moldovan politics.
In her campaign for the 2019 parliamentary elections, she proposed a plan to combat poverty and corruption, strengthen the rule of law, strengthen economic ties with the European Union, and privilege trade with Romania.
Kremlin Pressure on Moldova
Moldova’s new prime minister, Maia Sandu, faces immense pressure from Moscow, which has sought to gain influence in the Moldovan government and steer the Eastern European country away from the EU.
Moscow’s interference has been a source of instability in Moldova, where the previous regime fostered close ties with the Kremlin. These ties included a multi-billion dollar fraud for which several Moldovan officials were sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
According to analysts, the Kremlin will likely attempt to stall reforms and limit the inclusion of Moldovan citizens in the European integration process.
The Support of the People for Maia Sandu
Despite the Kremlin’s efforts, the people of Moldova have expressed overwhelming support for Maia Sandu and her agenda. This support was particularly evident during the 2019 parliamentary elections when Sandu’s party received 20.18% of the vote and placed third.
Moldova’s Pro-Western Reforms
Moldova’s new government has promised a relentless fight against corruption and other illicit activities in order to restore public trust in the country’s politicians and institutions.
This includes an extensive reform agenda which includes:
A Crackdown on Corruption: The implementation of a new anti-corruption strategy that targets corruption networks, petty corruption, and politicization of the justice system.
Strengthening the Rule of Law: Amendments to the judiciary, law enforcement, and civil services, so that they are less susceptible to political interference.
Comprehensive Financial Reforms: Measures included the establishment of a financial intelligence unit, new reporting and disclosure requirements for politicians, and improved oversight of the banking system.
Signs of European Integration: The negotiation of an enhanced association agreement with the European Union and potential accession to the EU’s single market, the European Monetary Union and the Schengen area.
Increased Ties with Romania: Enhancing political, economical and cultural ties with Romania – Moldova’s closest neighbour and a professional partner in the international arena.
The Benefits of Pro-Western Reforms
The adoption of pro-Western reforms by Moldova’s new government could bring numerous benefits to the people of Moldova and to the international community. These include:
Greater Investment: The implementation of pro-Western reforms increases the legitimacy of Moldova as an investment destination and could attract more foreign investment, resulting in increased economic growth and job creation.
Better Governance: Pro-Western reforms can also improve governance, reduce political violence and create the preconditions for accountable and transparent governments.
More Development: Encouraging the development of a market-oriented economy could stimulate economic growth and, in turn, reduce poverty and allow for a higher standard of living for the Moldovan people.
Moldova’s appointment of Maia Sandu as Prime Minister is a significant step away from Kremlin-backed rule towards a more pro-Western government. Sandu has promised to tackle corruption and implement pro-Western reforms, which could bring about significant economic, social and political benefits for Moldova and its citizens. The coming months will be critical for Moldova’s future as Sandu and her government must successfully implement their plans and withstand the pressure from Moscow.
