Moldova's Government

Responding to a dramatic drop in university intake, Moldova's government is proposing to merge higher education institutions, but it faces resistance.

Romania's government on Wednesday approved a 100-million-euros financial support package for Moldova to help it deal with a looming energy crisis.

Romania's financial assistance comes at a difficult time for its neighbour, after Russian energy giant Gazprom warned it would stop supplying gas to Moldova if its Moldovagaz subsidiary does not pay outstanding debts within two days.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD, has become the 100-per-cent owner of the Giurgiulesti International Free Port in Moldova.

Moldova's government will have seven new members, and only four ministers will keep their seats in a surprise reshuffle announced on Tuesday by the leader of the ruling of the Democratic Party of Moldova, PDM, Vlad Plahotniuc.

He explained that the PDM wants a more "technocratic" and professional government as well as more feminine representation, with four women in the new cabinet.

Moldova's government appointed a new defence minister on Tuesday after a lengthy row over the post between the pro-European, Democratic Party-led cabinet and pro-Russian President Igor Dodon.

Eugen Sturza, 32, was sworn in at a ceremony at the presidential palace led by parliament speaker Andrian Candu, acting as interim president while Dodon was briefly suspended.

Romania's Prime Minister Victor Ponta is welcoming the voting in office on Wednesday of Moldova's Government headed by Chiril Gaburici, wishing good luck to the new Moldovan prime minister.

Photo credit: (c) Alex TUDOR / AGERPRES PHOTO