The Moldpresa Communications Trade Unions Federation demands to amend the regulations concerning trading in Chisinau municipality so as to stop the removal of kiosks that sell periodicals. “Many goods that do not need a specialized network are sold on the street. Unlike other kinds of commercial activities, the press needs such a network,” Rodion Stamatin, a member of the Federation, stated in a news conference at IPN. The trade unionists say they are ready to have discussions.
Rodion Stamatin said that as a result of discussions held on January 22 with representatives of the local administration, after Moldpresa employees picketed the Chisinau City Hall, it was decided that a meeting with district heads and representatives of the Architecture Division and the General Trade Division will be held the next few days. Until then the removal of kiosks will be suspended. “We want to draw attention to the fact that we take action to keep our jobs. Even if it is the electoral period, we are apolitical,” stated Rodion Stamatin.
Svetlana Bashkir, a member of the Federation’s executive bureau, said Moldova wants to be a European country, but applies dictatorial methods in relation to its citizens, violating the right to the freedom of expression. In the neighboring countries, the kiosks have a special place and the sale of periodicals is not treated in the same way as other commercial activities. The people want the City Hall to show openness and to solve the problem in a democratic way. “We want not only statements to be made and the subordinate institutions to issue us with prescriptions. They should take measures to make sure the people are able to maintain their families,” stated Svetlana Bashkir.
The regulations that ban the location of kiosks in central Chisinau and on the main arteries of the city cover the Moldpresa kiosks. After the given kiosks are taken away, over 800 people risk remaining without a job. A number of 24 kiosks placed downtown were removed so far. If the problem is not solved, the Moldpresa Communications Trade Unions Federation will decide what other actions to take.
