Moldova's New Government under Vasile Tofan Takes Shape

Vasile Tofan Moldovan cabinet local administration reform EU integration opposition criticism

Prime Minister-designate Vasile Tofan announced his cabinet, retaining most ministers from the previous administration while introducing four new faces: Alexandru Gasnaș (Health), Victoria Belous (Finance), Radu Musteață (Agriculture and Food Industry) and Dan Suruceanu (Culture). The composition has drawn criticism from opposition deputies who expected broader changes, questioning the size of the cabinet and the continuity of policies.

Local authorities, represented by CALM, warned that the pending reform of local public administration could threaten legal compliance and democratic standards, urging the government to revise the plan with genuine decentralisation measures. Former minister Andrian Gavriliță, removed from the cabinet, defended his difficult reforms.

Parliamentary speaker Igor Grosu said the new government must address state‑owned enterprise salaries, attract investment and complete EU negotiation clusters by year‑end. The cabinet’s mandate is seen as pivotal for Moldova’s European integration trajectory.