Moldova's President Maia Sandu has appointed Deputy Prime Minister Eugeniu Osmochescu as interim prime minister following the unexpected resignation of Alexandru Munteanu, as the country continues preparations for closer integration with the European Union.

Sandu signed a decree naming Osmochescu, who also serves as minister of economic development and digitalisation, to take over the role from July 8, the presidential office said.

"The President of the Republic of Moldova signed today the decree appointing Mr. Eugeniu Osmochescu, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalization, as interim Prime Minister, as of July 8, 2026," the official statement said.

The decree was issued under Moldova's constitutional provisions governing temporary appointments, with Osmochescu expected to lead the government until a new cabinet is formed.

Osmochescu previously worked at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank, before joining Moldova's government. His appointment comes as Chisinau prepares for European Union accession negotiations and faces pressure to maintain momentum on economic and institutional reforms.

Munteanu announced his resignation on July 3, saying he could no longer continue in office in line with his personal principles and convictions.

"I accepted the offer to become prime minister with great responsibility and the firm belief that I could bring about positive change. When I realised that I could no longer fulfil my mandate in accordance with my principles and convictions, I decided to step down," Munteanu said.

He did not provide details behind his decision, though reports suggested possible disagreements over planned reforms involving state-owned companies and public institutions.

This led to heightened scrutiny of Moldova's reform agenda, including anti-corruption efforts and governance of state institutions, as the country seeks to advance its EU membership ambitions.

Sandu denied that political tensions had driven the resignation. "There were no contradictions. Both I and Mr. Munteanu work with integrity and honesty," Sandu said, adding that discussions between them had focused on reforms and had not involved conflict.

Munteanu, a businessman with previous activities in Ukraine, became prime minister in November 2025 after Sandu's pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) secured a strong parliamentary mandate. PAS currently holds a majority in the 101-seat legislature, giving the party control over the process of approving a new government.

The outgoing prime minister thanked Osmochescu for accepting the interim role.

“Starting tomorrow, in accordance with the decree signed by Madam President Maia Sandu, the interim position of Prime Minister will be provided by Deputy Prime Minister Eugen Osmochescu," Munteanu said in a Facebook post.

“I thank him for accepting this responsibility and I wish him good luck in his mission. I have full confidence that he will ensure the continuity of the Government's activity with responsibility.”

Under Moldova's constitution, the current cabinet will continue operating in a caretaker capacity until a new government is appointed. Osmochescu is expected to chair government proceedings during the interim period.