Local authorities on eastern side of Nistru feel insecure and intimidated, CALM

Local authorities on the left side of the Nistru River feel insecure and are intimidated, as they lack support from the central government. Representatives of the Local Public Authorities Congress (CALM) held a press conference on Friday, March 4. They were outraged by self-proclaimed Transnistrian bodies’ actions, which arrested innocent citizens, and by Chisinau’s incapacity, as it had not done anything for 20 years to protect people’s rights in the region, Info-Prim Neo reports. Grigore Policinschi, head of Dubasari district, says local elected feel insecure and aren’t protected by either Moldovan authorities or laws. “Everyone is afraid for their lives and families. Unlike some years ago, I’m thinking about this too often. Nobody can be sure he won’t be arrested tomorrow. No deputy, no minister, no mayor participated in the demonstration on March 2, in Corjova. Why?”, asked the president of Dubasari district. He said similar manifestations with the Moldovan flag had taken place previously, but no one had been arrested. “I think it’s an attempt from Dubasari militia to aggravate the situation. They want to make it clear who’s the boss”, concluded Grigore Policinshi. CALM president and Mayor of Selemet village in Cimislia district, Tatiana Badan complained Moldovan local public authorities are often neglected. She blamed the Chisinau Government for “doing nothing for years, while people are being discriminated and humiliated and criminals are left unpunished”. According to CALM vice president and Mayor of Orhei Ion Stratulat, unconstitutional forces do not simply infringe people’s rights, but attack local government. “We can assume they’ll soon threaten authorities in Moldova as well. We must consolidate in order to prevent such actions. We must be strong, firm and offer help when needed”, he said. CALM executive director Viorel Furdui told the press local government in Transnistria was nearly abandoned. “In this situation, local authorities simply don’t have the possibility to fulfill their duties. They need attention and support. They aren’t properly protected, lack social, material and financial guarantees and are in constant danger”, Said Furdui. CALM demands the central government to take all necessary measures to protect people’s rights on the whole territory of Moldova. CALM includes over 400 communities.