Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu announced his resignation on July 3, saying he could no longer carry out his mandate "in accordance with my principles and convictions", less than a year after taking office.

Munteanu steps down as Moldova prepares European Union accession negotiations amid growing political tensions and heightened scrutiny of the government's anti-corruption agenda.

"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, according to Deschide.md.

Under Moldova's constitution, the cabinet will continue to serve in a caretaker capacity with limited powers until a new government is sworn in.

President Maia Sandu said, at a brief press conference after Munteanu's resignation, that she expected to nominate a new prime minister within one to three weeks.

Munteanu did not disclose the reasons behind his decision. However, local media have reported unconfirmed disagreements between the prime minister and President Sandu over proposals for a broader overhaul of the management of state-owned companies and public institutions.

The resignation comes days after a corruption scandal involving state-owned air navigation company MoldATSA, where investigations uncovered irregular appointments and remuneration, including the hiring of Sandu's cousin, Anastasia Taburceanu. The affair has fuelled criticism of the government's governance practices and renewed scrutiny of Sandu's influence over appointments to senior public positions.

Sandu denied that tensions with Munteanu had prompted his resignation. "There were no contradictions. Both I and Mr. Munteanu work with integrity and honesty," she said. "This week I had several discussions with the prime minister about the reforms that have sparked numerous debates in society. There were no tense discussions at all."

She also dismissed reports of a late-night meeting preceding the resignation, saying a planned discussion had not taken place because Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu was unavailable.

Munteanu thanked ministers, civil servants and government staff for their work and said he would continue serving Moldova regardless of whether he remained in public office.

"I believe that duty to the country is not related to the position, but to the commitment we maintain," he said.

Munteanu, a businessman with previous activities in Ukraine, became prime minister on November 1, 2025, after the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) won the parliamentary elections.