Several representatives and supporters of the opposition parties protested on Thursday in front of the headquarters of the National Agency for Energy Regulation, criticizing the request for an increase in natural gas tariffs. The protesters demanded the resignation of the government and the postponement of the decision on the new prices until the organization of public hearings in Parliament, reports IPN.

The demonstration was attended by representatives of several opposition formations, among which were PSRM, PCRM, PDCM, MAN and PSDE, along with their leaders, Igor Dodon, Diana Caraman, Ion Chicu, Vasile Bumacov, as well as the former PAS deputy, Olesea Stamate.

The protesters came with placards and chanted slogans against the rising gas prices and the government. Among the displayed messages were “We want gas at a fair price, not schemes in a package” and “Millionaire’s vouchers? Not from the pensioners’ account”. Also, the participants demanded the organization of early parliamentary elections.

PSRM leader, Igor Dodon, urged opposition forces to unite and continue protests, arguing that the goal should be the organization of early parliamentary elections. “Remember how Maia Sandu, Mihai Popsoi, Igor Grosu, were shouting that five lei gas is expensive? But what are they doing with 21? We all need to unite. To convince people, to bring them down, to have early elections,” said Igor Dodon.

During the protest, several opposition deputies entered the Agency’s headquarters and had discussions with the management. Subsequently, Ion Chicu stated that it was agreed that the subject of tariffs would be examined after the parliamentary hearings on the methodology of setting natural gas prices. The PDCM leader also announced that the opposition has prepared a resolution requesting the hearing of ANRE’s management in Parliament and urged citizens to participate in a new demonstration in front of the legislature on Tuesday.

ANRE proposes a rate close to that requested by Energocom: 18.80 lei without VAT for a cubic meter of gas, about 60 bani less than the rate requested by the supplier. With VAT included, the proposed rate would reach 20.30 lei for a cubic meter. The final decision is to be made by the ANRE Board of Directors.