New Moldova PM issues warning to old guard

(15 Jun 2019) Moldova's new prime minister says her government's priority is to advance relations with the European Union and bring to justice all those responsible for abuse of power, including the most powerful oligarch in the ex-Soviet republic. Maia Sandu spoke Saturday after the first session of her coalition Cabinet which was formed last weekend but could not fully take power because the caretaker government disputed its legitimacy and refused to withdraw. Sandu's government includes her pro-European ACUM group and the pro-Russian Socialist Party. But the former ruling Democratic Party — backed by Moldova's Constitutional Court — claimed it was formed after a postelection deadline. The crisis had fueled tensions until the Democrats on Friday conceded defeat. The party said Saturday its leader, powerful oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, has temporarily left Moldova. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...