Twenty years after its adoption, the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova needs to be amended, especially Article 78, which refers to the electron of the head of state. The issue was discussed in the jubilee conference “Role of constitutional justice in protecting the rule of law values” that was held in Chisinau on September 8, IPN reports.
President Nicolae Timofti said that some of the provisions of the supreme law are imprecise or outdated. He gave as example Article 13, which is about the official language, Article 125, concerning the appointment of the prosecutor general, and Article 78, regarding the election of the head of state. “It’s normal for a Constitution to be adjusted to the new economic, political and social realities. I hope that in a predictable future, Moldova will manage to strengthen its intellectual and political potential so as to be able to adopt a new Constitution,” he stated.
Head of Parliament Igor Corman said that during 20 years the Constitution has fulfilled one of the most important roles – of a stabilizing factor in society. Since the adoption of the supreme law, there were reviewed about 40 constitutional norms. The most important reform is considered that of 2000, which led to the transformation of the republic from a semi-presidential one into a parliamentary one. The amendment of the article concerning the election of the head of state is an important task for avoiding constitutional blockages.
Prime Minister Iurie Leanca noted that there are many voices that support the amendment of the Constitution. All these debates are inspired by the wish to improve the legal framework. “We should not be afraid to exchange opinions, argue and discuss, on condition that we act responsibly in all the debates, taking into account all the possible consequences for the people and the state,” he said.
President of the Constitutional Court Alexandru Tanase referred to the necessity of amending Article 78. “Owing to the fact that Article 78 wasn’t reviewed, as the Venice Commission recommenced, there is a risk that blockages will lead to the endless repeat of the election of the head of state,” he stated.
Invited to the event, President of the Venice Commission Gianni Buquicchio said that Moldova faced a number of constitutional challenges, including the political impasse caused by the provision concerning the election of the head of state. Therefore, it must amend the rules on the election of the President. “The reform process in Moldova is permanent and, despite the shortcomings, there are signs that the country is following the correct path,” he said.
The Constitution of the Republic of Moldova was adopted in 1994.
