The leader of the Party of Socialists Zinaida Grecheanyi was elected Speaker of Moldova’s Parliament in the June 8 sitting of the legislature, IPN reports.

The MPs set up a special commission for the election of the Speaker, which decided that the vote will be secret.

The ballot involved 57 MPs. After the vote, it was announced that Zinaidei Grecheanyi, who was the only candidate for Speaker, was voted in by 56 votes of MP. One ballot was invalidated.

In her speech, Zinaida Grecheanyi thanked for the trust put in her and for the wisdom shown by her colleagues who are real patriots. She also thanked President Igor Dodon, who was present at the Parliament sitting, for not yielding to pressure. “We are responsible for what happens in the future. We must become a shield for our people. We serve our people,” stated the Socialist leader.

The politician also said that regardless of the political orientation, the MPs should work for the people and assured that she will be a correct Speaker. “I suggest going on and electing the Deputy Speaker and members of commissions as without these we cannot vote that package of laws,” she noted.