The Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu said the state of emergency needs to be extended for another 45 days due to the uncertainty generated by the war in Ukraine. The eventual attacks on Odessa region can generate new waves of refugees who would seek refuge in the Republic of Moldova or would transit the country. The extension of the state of emergency will offer the Government the instruments needed to take prompt decisions without involving Parliament, IPN reports.

On Tuesday, the Commission for Exceptional Situations proposed that the state of emergency should be extended for another 45 days, as from June 24, due to the persistent risks related to the energy security of the Republic of Moldova, the impact on the transport sector, the border security and the management of the flow of refugees.

“We attentively follow the developments in Ukraine. We attentively analyze the developments in Odessa, Nikolaev. This region is the closest to us. The largest part of the refugees from this region came to our country. The Republic of Moldova’s population is of 2.5 million people and Odessa region has a population of 2 million people. I say this for us to be able to imagine the inflow of refugees if things degenerate. We should not relax. I think all the people with a clear mind want the hostilities to be brought to an end and the belligerent sides to sit at the negotiating table. But this does not depend on us. We should be ready for any situation. The state of emergency offers the Government a number of possibilities of intervening swiftly. It should not look for Parliament when this will be on vacation, but should take swift measures within its power,” Igor Grosu stated in the talk show “Freedom with Dorin Galben” on TV8 channel.

The Speaker noted that the state of emergency facilitates the direct negotiation of contracts for the supply of electricity. An eventual extension of the state of emergency after July will be decided depending on the developments of the war in Ukraine.

“There will be nothing unordinary, different from what has been until now. The state of emergency will be extended until the end of July. We will see the developments and will then take a decision. The state of emergency is a necessary instrument as we need to negotiate the extension of the contracts for the supply of electricity for one month each time. We expect the Prime Minister will come to Parliament on Thursday to ask for the extension of the state of emergency,” said Igor Grosu.

In accordance with the law, the state of emergency is declared by Parliament at the request of the Government or of the President of the Republic of Moldova. The decision is taken by the votes of at least 51 MPs.