A state of emergency in the energy sector will be introduced in the Republic of Moldova for a period of 60 days. The legislative initiative, presented during a parliamentary session by Prime Minister Dorin Recean, was supported by 56 deputies of the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), IPN reports.

The state of emergency will come into effect on December 16.

“Let the Kremlin’s agents and those present in this hall understand: the plan to destabilize Moldova will not succeed. Today the citizens will see who stands with the Kremlin and who stands with the people,” declared the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova late at night during the parliamentary session.

The decision was made in the context of risks related to a possible cessation of gas supplies by Russia’s Gazprom to the Transnistrian region, starting January 1, 2025.

The declaration of a state of emergency can provide the government with broader tools to manage a potential energy crisis, according to the informative note sent by the Government to Parliament.

The authorities could more easily purchase electricity from the Romanian market, even if it is more expensive than energy obtained from the left bank of the Dniester. Imports from Romania can cover the shortfall created by the lack of gas in the Transnistrian region.

During a state of emergency, the authorities can also impose electricity consumption rationing and allocate the necessary funds for energy procurement. Furthermore, decisions required to ensure the supply of energy resources can be made through a simplified procedure, including derogations from standard legal norms.