Moldova's interim president calls snap election amid crisis

Chisinau (Moldova), Jun 9 (AP) Moldova's interim president has dissolved parliament and called for snap elections on September 6 amid a months-long political crisis. Pavel Filip announced his decision shortly after his appointment on Sunday by the Constitutional Court to replace Igor Dodon.

The new government, formed Saturday from a coalition of the pro-European Union ACUM alliance and the pro-Russia Socialist party, said Filip's move was illegal. ACUM's Maia Sandu was elected prime minister on Saturday.

The coalition, however, came about a day after the 90-day deadline for forming a new government after elections, according to the Constitutional Court. The coalition claims the deadline is three months rather than 90 days.

Filip is a member of the Democratic Party, which is headed by Vladimir Plahotniuc, the country's de facto leader who is opposed to the new government coalition. (AP) RUP