Moldovan Government Steps Down Ahead Of New Parliamentary Session

Prime Minister Vladimir Filat

Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat has formally announced the resignation of the country's government, one day before the first session of a new parliament following elections in November.

The government is required to resign before each new session of parliament, although Filat's pro-European government will continue to serve in a caretaker role.

The November 28 elections left Filat's Alliance for European Integration two votes short of the 61-seat majority needed to elect a new president.

The December 28 parliamentary session is expected to focus on the election of a speaker, who will also serve as an interim president until an official leader can be named.

Former President Vladimir Voronin, the leader of the Communist Party, will open the first session in his capacity as the parliament's oldest member.

with agency reports