Parliament adopted a decision to declare a state of emergency in Moldova for 60 days, as from March 17, at the suggestion of the Government, given the epidemiological situation generated by COVID-19, IPN reports.
According to Prime Minister Ion Chicu, the state of emergency is needed as the legal actions taken by the Government so far are not sufficient and the developments related to the novel coronavirus in the region require more drastic measures. Twelve EU member states, including Romania, have declared a state of emergency.
In connection with the state of emergency, the Government is close to taking a decision to suspend interurban and public transport. Food could be rationed. The procedure for appointing and dismissing managers of companies and public institutions could be modified. The measures will be taken when the need arises.
Premier Chicu noted that a set of measures are being prepared to help the people and businesses overcome the financial difficulties generated by the measures imposed by the authorities. These include the deferring of payments on home loans, relaxation of the lending policy by the central bank, possibility of additional subsidization in agriculture, diminution of the VAT rate for the hospitality industry and doubling of compensations for beneficiaries who applied to the First House Program. The state will be yet unable to cover all the losses and society should thus show solidarity.
A number of MPs expressed their bewilderment at the fact that the Government overnight decided to ask to declare a state of emergency for 60 days, not 30 days as it was agreed in the Cabinet meeting a day ago. Ion Chicu replied that after that meeting, he discussed additionally with ministers and decided that the period should be of 60 days. “The opinions and decisions of the Government are in full compliance with the law,” stated Ion Chicu.
The Parliament and the parliamentary commissions will be convoked only in emergencies, following a decision taken by the Commission for Exceptional Situations.
Under the law on the regime of the state of emergency, siege or war, during the state of emergency, depending on the concrete situation, the citizens can be temporarily evacuated from areas that pose a threat to life. They are mandatorily provided with permanent or temporary accommodation. The food and other bare essentials can be rationed. The citizens can be summoned to provide services in public interest. Special rules can be introduced as regards the use of telecommunications means.
