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Peter Michalko: Rule of law principle, which is basic provision of Association Agreement, was violated


https://www.ipn.md/en/peter-michalko-rule-of-law-principle-which-is-basic-provision-7965_1081289.html

The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova Peter Michalko said that by the Parliament’s April 23 vote, the rule of law principle was violated and the independence of the Constitutional Court was encroached upon, but these provisions are at the basis of the partnership between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova. The official said the snap elections will help overcome the current political crisis and such a solution was identified by the Constitutional Court by ascertaining the circumstances that justify the dissolution of Parliament, IPN reports.

The EU Ambassador in Chisinau noted that the whole international community promptly reacted to the Parliament’s April 23 vote as the democratic norms were violated and something like this is inadmissible in a state that is an associate of the European Union.

“It’s clear that the Constitution was flagrantly violated. This was stated clearly also by the President of the Venice Commission. The European Union, as the partner of the Republic of Moldova, expressed its position in support of the rule of law and constitutional order. Our partnership is based on such desiderata and these conditions were included in the Association Agreement,” Peter Michalko stated in the talk show “Black Box” on TV8 channel.

Moreover, the ambassador said the mixed electoral system used in the elections of 2019 led to the constitution of the currently unrepresentative Parliament. Snap parliamentary elections held in democratic conditions are needed for overcoming the political crisis experienced by the Republic of Moldova.

“The April 15 decision by the Constitutional Court showed that the overcoming of this crisis is possible. The parliamentary elections of 2019 took place in conditions of state capture and the situation in Parliament is a consequence of the then system. The mixed electoral system was used to institute increased political control over the state institutions. That’s why the elections should be now those that will clearly reflect the people’s will. Therefore, the elections should be free and transparent,” stated Peter Michalko.

On April 28, the Constitutional Court will examine the application to check the constitutionality of the Parliament decision to declare a state of emergency. If the decision is declared unconstitutional, the President will have to sign a decree on the dissolution of Parliament and to call snap parliamentary elections. In such a case, the elections will be held in July.