Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Montiano has resigned after just eight months in office amid a corruption scandal involving a state-owned air traffic management company.
Montiano announced his resignation on Friday, saying he could no longer carry out his mandate in line with his "principles and convictions", but did not specify the reason for his sudden departure.
The political crisis follows allegations that senior executives at MoldATSA, Moldova's air traffic management agency, secured their positions using forged credentials while receiving unusually high salaries and benefits.
Under Moldovan law, a prime minister's resignation takes effect immediately, although the government remains in office until a new cabinet is formed.
President Maia Sandu thanked Montiano for leading the country through a "complex period" but said she expected greater involvement in difficult decisions and more openness to public concerns.
The resignation comes months after a Moldovan court sentenced businessman and politician Vladimir Plahotniuc to 19 years in prison for fraud, money laundering and involvement in an organized criminal group.
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