Romania Fears Moldova's Political Crisis Will Escalate

Bucharest has voiced concerns about continuing political uncertainty in Moldova after its  president and a coalition of political parties failed to reach a compromise agreement over who will become the country's next prime minister.

President Nicolae Timofti has refused to endorse the nomination of a controversial businessman turned politician, Vlad Plahotniuc, as prime minister claiming he "lacks integrity".

Plahotniuc's backers described the president's claims as "groundless" and refused to name another candidate.

Nicolae Timofti late on Thursday nominated Ion Paduraru, secretary general of the presidential administration to serve as prime minister.

It is still unclear whether parliament will approve Paduraru's nomination. He needs at least 51 votes in the 101-member chamber.

Earlier, thousands have demonstrated in Moldova's capital Chisinau against Plahotniuc nomination, claiming he has too much influence over the country's judiciary. Several of his political rivals are facing prosecution, including former Prime Minister Vlad Filat, who is awaiting trial after being charged with corruption offences, which he denies.

Parliament must approve the new government by the end of this month, otherwise it will be dissolved and early elections called.

The previous government was dismissed in late October after Vlad Filat was arrested for his alleged role in the disappearance of up to 1.5 billion USD from three private banks before the elections last year.

In December, Ion Sturza, a wealthy pro-Western businessman with dual Moldovan-Romanian  citizenship, was tasked with forming a new government, but parliament rejected his nomination.

Many Romanian experts are worried the protracted...