The Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu said the uncertainty generated by the war in Ukraine, the possibility of witnessing a new inflow of refugees and the possibility of buying electricity by direct talks are the factors that require extending the state of emergency. The move does not yet imply the limitation of rights and freedoms and the people can protest unrestrictedly, IPN reports.
At the Government’s suggestion, Parliament on Thursday extended the state of emergency for 60 days as from October 7. The Speaker said the decision was taken due to the war in Ukraine and its negative impact on Moldova.
“There is an ongoing war on our borders. Despite the positive developments in Ukraine, we see that mobilization going on in Russia; we see bellicose statements about Odessa, Mykolaiv. Furthermore, Russia adopted a tactic that refers to critical infrastructure and attacks electric plans and networks. We must brace for a wave of refugees in winter. When there is no heat and the thermoelectric plants do not work, the women and children will be the first to leave and we are the first destination,” Igor Grosu stated in the talk show “Shadow Cabinet” on JurnalTV channel.
He noted that owing to the extension of the state of emergency, the decision making process is simplified and the standard procedures for purchasing electricity are excluded. Gazprom unjustifiably cut gas supplies. The situation in the Transnistrian region should also not be neglected. There are a number of emergencies that need to be dealt with.
“But this does not mean that Parliament does not work. Those who want to protest can do it. The freedoms weren’t restricted as those who are now in the opposition did in 2020. Furthermore, currently no energy supplier signs contracts for a medium term. The contracts are signed for a short term given the full uncertainty,” stated Igor Grosu, noting the state of emergency enables to hold direct negotiations.
The Speaker said that even if the protests staged in central Chisinau are dubious, these will not be hampered.
“These protests degenerated. Everyone knows that they are paid for and organized by a thief. Each political organization has the right to mount protests even if I call this not party but organized criminal group. They can inform the City Hall about the protest and stage it. The Chisinau City Hall granted their request. In accordance with the law, those who authorized the protest can ban it if they identify violations,” said Igor Grosu.
The state of emergency in Moldova was declared on February 24, 2022 together with the start of the war in Ukraine. It was later extended for 60 days for two times.
