NEW DELHI: Moldovian PM Ion Chicu has resigned, paving the way for an early parliamentary election in the country, which has seen widespread protests calling for the government to stand down.

Chicu announced his decision at a press conference before officially submitting his resignation, alongside outgoing President Igor Dodon and Parliament Speaker Zinaida Greceanai.

Chicu said he resigned so that parliament could be dissolved as soon as possible and early parliamentary elections held.

"It [an election] is an objective that we have declared a priority to bring the country back to normal," Chicu said.

He is a close ally of outgoing pro-Russian President Igor Dodon. His government controlled only 51 of 101 seats in the Moldovan parliament.

The new president can dissolve parliament if the prime minister resigns and there are two failed attempts to find a successor.