The municipal police will not be able to fine street traders any more. They will only write reports on the identified violations, while the fine will be set by the Consumer Protection Agency, IPN reports.

In the March 25 meeting of Chisinau City Hall officials, Silviu Musuc, deputy head of the Chisinau Police Division, said the changes are part of the reform carried out at the Ministry of the Interior. The powers to impose fines and confiscate the goods were transferred to the Consumer Protection Agency.

Mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca expressed his dissatisfaction with the made changes, saying they will only encourage street trading, while the municipal police will play the role of ‘denouncer’ to the Consumer Protection Agency. “This merchandise was smuggled and the police should be directly involved in combating this smuggling offense. The sellers will now leave the shops and start to trade in the street, where they will not be obliged to pay taxes for trading,” said the mayor, stressing he will demand amending the Law on Street Trading.