{Year 2012 in Facts and Figures. Article originally published on December 24} [January 3] The Ministry of Health issues an order requiring doctors to prescribe no more than three medicines to a patient, unless dealing with an exceptional case. [January 4] The Government decides to reduce the Moldovan contingent at the trilateral peacekeeping checkpoint no.9 near Vadul lui Voda from 7 to 4 unarmed men, after three days earlier an 18-year-old civilian was gunned down there. [February 1] The communications regulatory agency ANRCETI replaces the short numbers 14xx with 14xxx, making them callable nationwide. [February 2] The Government reduces fees for appostille certificates issued under a fast-track procedure. [March 1] Parliament adopts a law punishing MPs for unwarranted absences with a fine representing half of their monthly salaries and bonuses. [March 1] Parliament ratifies an agreement on social security with Austria. The contracting parties commit to paying the share of pension calculated for the period of contribution to the social security system made in their territories. [March 6] Parliament adopts a law transforming economic courts into commercial courts and liquidating the Economic Court of Appeals. [March 6] Parliament adopts a law introducing chemical castration for child sex offenders to prevent recidivism and thwart child sex tourists. The law becomes effective on 1 July 2012. [March 15] Parliament ratifies an agreement with the Czech Republic on social security, guaranteeing age and disability pensions and survivor's benefits to the citizens living or working in the other state. [March 22] Parliament adopts a new salary scheme for public servants. Salary raise criteria include individual performance. [April 5] The broadcasting regulatory authority revokes the license of the pro-Communist channel NIT for frequent violations. [April 5] The Government introduces a new annual observance, declaring June 23 as the Day of Public Servants. [April 12] Parliament adopts amendments to the criminal legislation related to sex offenses against children. In particular, the amendments make it a crime to make children watch pornographic content and use communication means, in particular the internet, to invite minors to a date with any sexual intention. April 12 The Government approves raises for public officials starting June 1. It provides that the President will get a salary of 15,000 lei a month and the Prime Minister and Speaker 13,000 lei. However, the decision hasn't been endorsed by Parliament yet. [April 26] Parliament scraps the requirement for couples to undergo a medical examination before getting married. [May 18] The Government names the National Opera and Ballet Theater after its Prima Donna Maria Bieshu, three days after her death. [May 25] The Government names the National Palace after the late folk singer Nicolae Sulac. [May 25] Parliament adopts the controversial Law on Ensuring Equality, also known as the Antidiscrimination Law. The bill had been met with opposition by Orthodox groups, in particular for its provisions offering protection against discrimination to sexual minorities. [June 8] Parliament endorses upon the first reading a bill proposed by the Liberals that introduces fines for the customers of prostitutes. The top fine is reduced to 3,000 lei from the initially proposed 6,000 lei. [June 1] The communications regulatory agency ANRCETI introduces a closed numbering plan, making all phone numbers across Moldova 9 digits in length, except for short codes. [July 12] Parliament condemns the totalitarian communist regime of Soviet Moldavia on a set of motions proposed by the Liberal Party. The measure also bans the use of the hammer-and-sickle symbol for political purposes and introduces fines for such use. The Communist Party appealed. Its complaint is now pending before the Constitutional Court which, in turn, awaits a legal brief on the matter from the Venice Commission. [September 20] A law banning the sale of junk food within a range of 100 meters from schools takes effect. [October 5] Parliament approves upon the first reading a bill prohibiting advertising before and after movie screenings in movie theaters. [October 26] Parliament grants the municipality of Balti the status of a territorial unit of second level, equaling it to Chisinau, after the Balti authorities had voiced the intention of holding a local referendum to broaden their autonomy. [November 1] Parliament introduces a road toll, called the vignette, for cars registered outside Moldova, with fees initially ranging from 2 to 25 euros depending on the length of stay. On December 20 the Government doubles the fees. [December 6] Parliament declares 2013 as the Year of Spiridon Vangheli. Multiple events will be held throughout next year to honor the celebrated children's book author, who turned 80 this year. [December 13] Parliament approves upon the first reading a bill allowing prime ministers to keep their diplomatic passports after their tenure. [December 14] Parliament approves upon the first reading a bill prohibiting the holders of Soviet-type passports to vote. [Irina Turcanu, Info-Prim Neo]