Representatives of the Bloc ACUM made public a statement. “We invite the citizens of the Republic of Moldova to celebrate May 9 through a common event of recollection, compassion and tolerance. It is a symbolic moment when we can reaffirm our commitment to democracy, the rule of law, individual freedoms and prosperity. These are values that the Bloc ACUM Platform DA and PAS assumes together with the struggle for the European future of the Republic of Moldova,” said ACUM MP Octavian Țîcu, reading the statement.

Prime Minister  Pavel Filip commemorated the heroes killed in World War II at a solemn ceremony held at the Memorial Complex “Eternity”. The event involved President Igor Dodon, MPs, members of the Cabinet, representatives of embassies based in Chisinau, veterans, residents and guests of the capital city.

Poland’s Ambassador Bartlomiej Zdaniuk gave an interview to IPN Agency. Referring to the delay in forming the government after the parliamentary elections, he said : “”Each country has own problems and should deal with them responsibly. It’s not for a foreign country to give advice on such matters. First of all, we respect your independence. For us, independence is sacred. Why should a foreign country tell you what to do and what not? You have the privilege of freedom as well as the duty of responsibility”.

The assumption of the European course with increased energy is the chance of the Moldovan people to enjoy prosperity, stability and a safe future, Romania’s Ambassador in Chisinau Daniel Ioniță was quoted by IPN as saying in the program “Emphasis on today” on TVR Moldova channel. “The problem is not the historical, cultural and geographic affiliation of the Republic of Moldova. We speak about the irreversible connection of Moldova to a system of principles and values that I think should fully characterize this area,” he stated, noting the Republic of Moldova cannot indulge in political instability for a long period of time.

The National Social Insurance Company CNAS has signed a Protocol of Cooperation with the Employers’ Association ACLI and the Partnership for Territorial Assistance and Consultancy which aims to advise Moldovan citizens who have worked in both Moldova and Italy on their pension rights and other social security benefits. The applications for Italian pensions are reviewed by the National Institute of Social Insurance. Applicants must hold a Moldovan passport and an italian fiscal code (Codice Fiscale), and have a valid euro bank account opened in any Moldovan bank. At present, some 140,000 Moldovans with residence permits are officially registered in Italy.

Romania’s Ambassador in Chisinau Daniel Ioniță said for a Moldova that strives to get closer to the European Union, the upcoming EU parliamentary elections are important to the extent to which the European Parliament is a fundamental institution that “ensures the consistency of legislation and actions.” Daniel Ioniță also said that the EP would be made up of political groups with a wide representation at European level, with direct ties to Moldovan parties. At the same time, they shape policies that will directly affect the lives of Moldovan citizens.

A record number of 441 polling stations will be established abroad for this year’s elections, as opposed to 190 stations at the previous European Parliament elections. The addresses of the polling stations outside Romania can be seen on an interactive map. Of the total number of stations, 36 will be available in Moldova. Voting starts at 7am, local time, and ends at 9pm, local time.

Incumbent Irina Vlah on May 10 was registered as an independent candidate for the post of governor of Gagauzia by the Central Election Commission of Comrat and can officially start her reelection campaign. So far, three other contenders have announced their bids. Independent Vasili Aladov, businessman Mihail Vlah, and Serghei Cimpoies, a member of the current Gagauz parliament, are yet to return their endorsement lists to the electoral body as soon as they get enough signatures on them.

Amendments have been proposed to the Moldovan Journalists’ Code of Ethics, originally issued in 2011, in a bid to keep pace with the rapidly changing media realities. A set of amendments clarify the situations a journalist should steer clear of in order to avoid conflicts of interest. Others introduce journalistic safeguards for subjects at risk of discrimination. Further provisions address the phenomenon of fake news, disinformation and manipulation. “I hope the improved provisions will be an occasion to unite journalists around the deontological standards, offering practical guidance to journalists and making their job easier and of a better quality”, said Viorica Zaharia, president of the Press Council.

Details on IPN!