CHISINAU: Thousands demonstrated on Thursday against a proposal to nominate an influential politician and businessman to become the next prime minister of Moldova, a country mired in political uncertainty.

The protest comes amid a standoff between President Nicolae Timofti and the pro-European governing coalition. Timofti on Wednesday rejected Vlad Plahotniuc, the coalition's candidate for prime minister.

The coalition refused to name another candidate. However, seven lawmakers said Thursday they were quitting the coalition, demanding another candidate be named. Their departure leaves the coalition without a majority.

Thousands demonstrated in Chisinau Thursday against Plahotniuc, a politician with investments in oil, finance, banking and media, claiming he has too much power and influence.

If Parliament fails to approve a government by January 29, it will be dissolved and early elections called. Parliament dismissed the previous government in late October amid allegations of corruption.

Moldova has been plagued by instability since up to $1.5 billion went missing from three Moldovan banks before November 2014 Parliamentary elections, sparking weeks of protests last fall, with Moldovans demanding a thorough investigation and a crackdown on endemic corruption. The country had five prime ministers during 2015.