Public associations will need authorities’ approval in order to be registered

Some categories of public association will be obliged to present the approval of specialized authorities, in cases expressly provided for by law, in order to be registered. The Parliament approved on Friday, November 24, in first reading a bill, operating amendments to the Law on public associations. According to Nicolae Esanu, deputy minister of Justice, the project has the aim of removing the contradictions in the legislation of the R. of Moldova. Several opposition MPs criticized the respective provision. Anatol Taranu declared that the principle of preceding approval is an attempt to restrict the right of citizens to assembly. Keeping in mind that the R. of Moldova comes from a closed society, and the civil society makes its first steps for self-organization, the respective provisions would limit the capacity of Moldova’s citizens to associate. Esanu declared that through this norm, the legislation in force would be harmonized. These approvals will be request only in certain cases, like creation of public organizations in sports. Esanu mentioned that abuses will not be admitted. About 4,000 NGOs are registered in the R. of Moldova, Info-Prim Neo notes.