The Coalition for Unity and Welfare (CUB) has formally incorporated as a political party by holding its inaugural convention on Saturday. Proclaiming liberalism as its doctrine and advocating European integration, CUB has elected Igor Munteanu, ex-ambassador to U.S. and former Moldovan legislator, as its president.

Munteanu said in his speech that the EU candidate status that Moldova has obtained is a “chance that must not be missed”. “Our team is very diverse and at the same time we all strongly believe that the Republic of Moldova, by its vocation, language and culture, by its geographical position, but also through the great expectations that are born in the womb of our spirituality, deserves to have more of Europe, more of Romanianness and a course based on deeds”, declared Igor Munteanu.

The new party brings together notable figures, including the public health specialist Dr. Rodica Gramma, the economist and former lawmaker Veaceslav Ioniță, the education specialist Ludmila Armașu, the politician and diplomat Igor Klipii, the politician and academician Valeriu Matei, the former interior minister Maj. Gen. Victor Catan, and the activist Mihail Bagas, among others.

The party intends to join the ALDE/Renew Europe family, currently the third largest group in the European Parliament.