The Ministry of Foreign Affairs And European Integration issued a circular in which it indicated that the head offices of diplomatic missions and consular offices cannot be used for political purposes. These areas cannot be leased out or offered for use to politicians for meetings with voters, while the official delegations on missions abroad can benefit from the assistance of diplomatic missions within the limits of the official program and by obeying the current legislation. The specification was made after ex-President Igor Dodon filmed his traditional vlog at the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Russia, IPN reports.

In a press release, the Ministry says the areas of the diplomatic missions are provided to third parties for registering or broadcasting live reports or author programs. The interviews or other methods of public communication with the national media or media from the state of residence and those aimed at promoting the Republic of Moldova’s image can be performed with the authorization of the mission’s head and in coordination with the Press Office of the Ministry.

In order to protect and promote the national interests of the Republic of Moldova and in accordance with the Code of Conduct of public servants, which requires to fulfill the duties based on such principles as legality, impartiality, professionalism and loyalty, the diplomatic personnel are asked to refrain from stating and promoting their personals political options, noted the Ministry.

On March 2, the leader of the PSRM Igor Dodon filmed his traditional online program inside Moldova’s Embassy in Moscow, where former Socialist MP Vladimir Golovatiuc serves as ambassador. Later, in another program, Igor Dodon said that as long as he has a diplomatic passport, he can ask for assistance from any embassy when he needs.