The leader of the European People’s Party of Moldova Iurie Leancă said the European Union will not discuss the resumption of its macro-financial assistance with Moldova until a parliamentary majority and a Government aren’t formed and a government program is not announced. “If, for example, the posts of minister of foreign affairs, defense and education are held by representatives of the Socialists, I’m sure that no one will want to discuss with us on principle. In Bucharest, they will also not discuss with a minister of education who will want to insert the phrases “Moldovan language” and “history of Moldova,” stated Iurie Leancă, noting there is no risk that the visa-free regime between Moldova and the EU will be abolished.

Parliament can modify the electoral system after periods of time shorter than a complete legislature, but the new system cannot be implemented at snap legislative elections. This way, a new electoral system ca be implemented only at ordinary parliamentary elections, on condition that the modification is made at least one year before the elections, the Constitutional Court decided on April 26 following a relevant request made by independent MPs Ion Groza, Alexandr Oleinic and Viorel Melnic.

The leader of the Party “Action and Solidarity” (PAS) Maia Sandu said that by the decision taken today, the Constitutional Court defied its own earlier decisions according to which the electoral problems are the exclusive apanage of Parliament and the Court does not have any right to intervene. “The Constitutional Court that consists of corrupt people decided that the mixed electoral system that was harshly criticized by the Venice Commission and that, as the previous elections showed, means more seats for those who polled fewer votes cannot be modified,” Maia Sandu wrote on Facebook.

Even if the period of time set by the Political Bloc ACUM for constituting a working group in concert with representatives of the parliamentary group of the Party of Socialists expired on April 25, the ball is still in the Socialists’ court. “Action and Solidarity” Party vice president Mihai Popşoi said the fact that the Socialists didn’t come to the meeting set to take place two days ago to have discussions can be considered a response, but they should have courage to say it openly. “If they do not have a repose for us they should give a response to society so that their decision is clear and they do not create illusions and expectations among the people,” he stated.

The Moldovan Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure recalled in a press release that the project involves building of 120 kilometers of pipe and three gas distribution facilities, two in Chisinau and another one in Ungheni. Additionally, a control and dispatcher center in Ghidighici will undergo an equipment upgrade. Minister Chiril Gaburici stated this project is very important in improving Moldova’s energy security and work to build it should start as soon as possible so that it is completed by the end of the year.

The Organization for Small and Medium Enterprise Sector Development (ODIMM) today signed agreements under the PARE 1+1 Program to fund 65 new businesses started by Moldovan migrants who returned home. “Build the foundation of a future for you and your children. The MEI and ODIMM will stand by your side not only now, as you start your businesses, but also throughout operations in order to give advice and support in overcoming any difficulties”, said Iulia Costin, state secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Infrastructure.

The Crete registered Boeing 737-800 that violated Moldova’s airspace before landing in Chisinau without permission yesterday was eventually allowed to leave the Chisinau Airport at around 10:00 p.m. following hours of scrutiny. About one hour after landing without beforehand permission, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) received a request from Spire Flight Solutions, a flight support services company, to let the aircraft depart from Chisinau. Eventually, at 21:46, following searches by the Moldovan law enforcement, the CAA notified the control tower that the intruding Boeing was free to depart, which the aircraft did minutes later.

A march in memory of the victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster was staged in Chisinau on April 26 to mark the 33th anniversary of the catastrophe. Chernobyl Union of Moldova president Tudor Căpățînă told the press that over 3,000 people from both sides of the Nistru took part in the Chernobyl cleanup. So far, over 1,200 of these died because of radiation. According to the Union, slightly over 2,000 people of those who took part in the Chernobyl cleanup are now alive in Moldova.

The stalls selling soft drinks and ice-cream will return to the parks of the municipality of Chisinau for the summer period, stated acting mayor general Ruslan Codreanu. He noted that the gazeboes were removed from green areas at the request of citizens who complained about loud music and discomfort.

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