'Weak' Moldova Government Worries Romania

Romanian analysts have expressed concerns that Moldova's chances for future integration into the European Union are diminishing after the formation of a weak minority government in the neighbouring former Soviet republic.

After months of negotiations, the Liberal Democratic Party, PLDM, and the Democratic Party, PDM, agreed late on January 23 to form a minority government in Moldova.

In a related development, PDM deputy Andrian Candu was elected as parliamentary speaker.

The two pro-European parties were not joined by their former ally, the Liberal Party, PL, because of disagreements over government posts.

The PDLM, PDM and PL obtained a combined total of 55 places in the 101-seat parliament in election on November 30 last year. Russia-leaning parties, including the former ruling Moldovan Communist Party, took the rest.

Analysts warned that Moldova's EU future is now in the balance as the new coalition is extremely fragile. 

"The minority government seems to be ready to get support from the Communists in order to rule the country... But this will mark the end of the pro-EU orientation of Moldova," said Bucharest-based political analyst Valentin Naumescu.

"In the new political context, Romania has to adapt its policy toward Moldova and to clearly say what reforming measures it is expecting from the new government in order to support it," Naumescu added.

The political situation in Moldova is being watched closely by Brussels, Washington and Moscow, as they engage in what some are calling a new cold war over Ukraine, Moldova's other neighbour.

In June 2014, Moldova signed a far-reaching association agreement with the EU and also secured visa-free travel to the bloc, despite complaints, warnings and the imposition...