President Nicolae Timofti nominated the secretary general of the President’s staff Ion Paduraru as a candidate for Prime Minister, IPN reports, quoting a communique of the presidential press service that was released after the deadline set by the head of state for the signatures of the MPs who formed the parliamentary majority to be confirmed expired, IPN reports.

Nicolae Timofti signed the decree by which he authorized Ion Paduraru to form the Cabinet that he will present to Parliament. “I made a conscious choice, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. I took into consideration his integrity. He was deputy minister and minister of justice. I think he will cope with this responsible post,” said the head of state, voicing hope that Parliament will vote him in.

Ion Paduraru said he will create a governmental team that will consist of professionals and of politicians too. His work program will be based on the Association Agreement with the EU. He will make effort to communicate correctly with the parliamentary groups so as to convince them to give him a vote of confidence as he understands that the early elections are not a solution for the country.

Ion Paduraru is a jurist by occupation. He was named secretary general of the President’s staff in 2012, when Nicolae Timofti was elected as head of state. He was minister of justice in the Government headed by Ion Sturza. Before being named as chief of the President’s staff, Ion Paduraru held a senior post at the Chisinau Bar Association.

The nominated candidate must obtain the Parliament’s vote of confidence by January 29. Otherwise, the head of state will dissolve the legislative body and will call early parliamentary elections.