The members of the Government headed by Iurie Leanca swore that they will obey the country’s laws and will defend democracy. They swore an oath of allegiance before President Nicolae Timofti and the leaders of the Coalition for Pro-European Government, IPN reports.

The ministers swore to defend the basic rights and fundamental freedoms, the sovereignty, independence, unity and the territorial integrity of Moldova. Each of them kissed Moldova’s flag and then shook hands with the head of state. After the swearing-in ceremony, the ministers drank by a glass of champagne.

Nicolae Timofti thanked the MPs for the vote of confidence given to the Government. The head of state said the ambitious government program of the new Cabinet must enjoy the Parliament’s support so that the measures to modernize the country continue to be implemented at a high pace.

Prime Minister Iurie Leanca said the day of May 30, when the Government was given a vote of confidence, will make history. “The lawmakers showed they are able to leave the narrow party interests aside and to focus on what is important for the national interest,” he stated.

The Leanca Government has mainly the same composition as the previous one. Only several ministers were replaced. Moldova’s chief negotiator in the relations with the EU Natalia Gherman will take the place of Iurie Leanca at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration. Anatol Salaru, of the Liberal Party, was substituted by Democratic MP Vasile Botnari at the Ministry of Transport. The Ministry of Culture will be headed by Monica Babuc, ex-adviser to the Head of Parliament. She will replace Boris Focsa in this post. Octavian Bodisteanu took over as Minister of Youth and Sport after servicing as deputy minister, while Tatiana Potang is Deputy Prime Minister for social matters.

The Leanca Government was invested by the votes of 58 MPs on May 30.