Alexandru Oleinic, managing co-chairman of the People’s Party of Moldova (PPRM), considers that the possible rise in electric power charges is unjustified and dangerous. He has told IPN that such a rise will have a serious impact on the country’s economy and population.

“I consider that this rise is unjustified and harmful at a time when the people’s incomes decrease continuously. The fact that the state plays the role of spectator without doing something to reduce the pressure exerted by prices on the population is rather painful. The state is obliged to diversify the energy sources so as to avoid constraints and blackmail resulting from the dependence on one source,” stated Alexandu Oleinic.

The leader of the PPRM said the 14% increase in the power charges represents a rise of 0.22 lei in the current tariff. “The rise is rather great and can directly influence the prices of bread and other food products, of public utilities, clothes and other important products and services. Our goods, which are not very competitive, will remain in stores. The consequences will be drastic, including bankruptcy. Thousands of people will lose their jobs, the employment rate will rise and social conflicts will appear. The budget revenues will decrease and poverty will expand,” stated Alexandru Oleinic.

“The PPRM follows attentively and with concern the opinion exchange on the increase in electricity charges for end-users. The power distribution companies in spring asked the National Agency for Energy Regulation to raise the power charges by 14%. The PPRM calls on the Government to be more responsible in the given situation and to create real conditions for the development of the economy, defending first of all the people’s interests,” stated Alexandru Oleinic.