Moldova's pro-Europe coalition agrees on cabinet posts

Moldova's pro-Europe coalition agrees on cabinet posts Chisinau  - Moldova's ruling coalition has agreed on cabinet assignments for the country's new pro-Europe government, the Infotag news agency reported Wednesday.

Members of the largest party in the ruling coalition, the market- reform-supporting Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova, was set to get the prime minister's job.

The party was also set to gain the leadership of the national police and the ministries of finance, justice, health and foreign affairs.

Vlad Filat, the Liberal Democrats' leader, will be submitted to parliament as the ruling coalition's candidate for prime minister, according to Infotag's report, which cited a working paper from intra-coalition talks.

The Liberal Democrats' three smaller allies in the coalition obtained portfolios largely in areas with less impact on the economy or foreign policy, but more influence over local politics. These include the ministries of roads, environment, labour, social services, construction, agriculture and culture.

A formal presentation of and vote on the new cabinet are scheduled in Moldova's parliament for Friday.

The ruling alliance, which now formally refers to itself as the Coalition for European Integration (CEI), controls 53 seats in Moldova's 101-seat legislature.

The opposition Communist party, out of power after a decade in control of Moldova's government, holds 48 seats.

Leaders of the Communist opposition, among them former president and Communist Party leader Vladimir Voronin, had predicted that the four-party alliance, despite its defeat of the Communists would fall apart over differences on future government assignments.

Leaders of the CEI, including Filat, have repeatedly stated the belief that Communist predictions are wrong and that the ruling coalition will hold together.

Elections held in April in Moldova broke down in rioting after Communist opponents took to the streets protesting alleged fraud.

Repeat elections in July gave pro-Europe parties a narrow victory.  dpa