President Maia Sandu filed an application to the Constitutional Court by which she requests to verify the constitutionality of a number of law articles that limit the powers of the President and of the outgoing Government. The application refers to the President’s or the outgoing Government’s right to replace staff in emergencies and the outgoing Government’s right to sign international treaties in particular conditions, IPN reports.

“I also asked to declare unconstitutional a number of provisions of the Law on the Government, especially concerning the appointment of acting ministers from among members of the outgoing Cabinet only at a time when something like this is not stipulated in the Constitution. This can also cause greater dysfunctionality in the management of institutions,” said Maia Sandu, being quoted in a press release of the presidential administration.

President Sandu considers the Government, even if it is outgoing, should be able to manage the affairs in the country until the next Cabinet is appointed. This means the possibility of replacing staff, of dismissing and naming public functionaries in particular conditions, of accessing funds within particular constitutional limits.

“The unprecedented situation that was intentionally created by the former government with the aim of weakening the state further and of making it more vulnerable amid the pandemic and economic crises can be solved with the assistance of the Constitutional Court, which should pronounce, and by clarifying the faults and contractions mentioned in the application filed today,” said President Sandu.

Prime Minister Ion Chicu announced his resignation on December 23, but continued to head the Government until January 31. Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Aureliu Ciocoi now holds the premiership on an interim basis.