The Government approved the MP’s Code of Ethics and Conduct. Minister of Justice Oleg Efrim said it is a legislative initiative of the MPs and such codes exist in other countries too. The Code bans the MPs from insulting, threatening, slandering, calling for the use of force and any other actions that lead to impartiality, conflicts of interests or conflicts that can affect the objective fulfillment of the parliamentary duties, IPN reports.

At the level of international relations, the MP’s conduct or method of expression must not affect the image of the Republic of Moldova. The lawmakers are obliged to ensure the correct and opportune informing of the people about matters of public interest.

There will be instituted the post of Commissioner for Ethics who will be selected at a contest, not from among the MPs. The Commissioner will monitor the observance of the norms and will compile a report for the Parliament’s commission for appointments and immunities, based on his/her observations.

The MPs may be punished for not obeying the Ethics Code, including will remain without allowance or  will be prevented from taking part in all or some of the Parliament’s activities on a temporary basis.

The Commissioner for Ethics, who will be named to post by a majority of votes of MPs, will serve for five years and will be unable to serve a second term consecutively.