On 14 November 2019, the government of Prime Minister Maia Sandu was defeated in a vote of no confidence after attempts to pass bills to change the judicial system. With the support of just over 60% of MPs, Chicu was approved as a replacement Prime Minister.[2][3] The same day he announced that his government would "fulfill all obligations of the state to external partners and international financial organizations, primarily the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank".[4] At the time of his appointment, he was described by President Igor Dodon as "a technocrat, a professional who has not been in any political party",[5] although Chicu did serve as an advisor to President Dodon.[5] The day after, he was introduced to a new Cabinet of Ministers by President Dodon, which included Victor Gaiciuc as defense minister and Pavel Voicu as interior minister.[6] On 20 November, he went to Moscow on his first working visit, where he held talks with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.[7][8]