New Caretaker Prime Minister Appointed In Moldova

Moldova's new caretaker Prime Minister Iurie Leanca

Moldova's Foreign Minister Iurie Leanca has been named the country's new caretaker prime minister.

President Nicolae Timofti signed a decree on Leanca's appointment on April 23.

It comes after the Constitutional Court ruled the previous day that Timofti's initial nominee for the post, former Prime Minister Vlad Filat, cannot serve as prime minister because his government lost a no-confidence vote in parliament in March.

The court ruled that Filat was dismissed because of corruption allegations.

Filat, who currently serves as caretaker prime minister, has called the ruling "a political decision ... which could have a negative effect on Moldova."

Parliament is due to vote on a new government this week.

With reporting by AP and Interfax