National Youth Council demands legislation on youth ministry be amended

The National Youth Council of Moldova asked the Parliament to modify the bill providing for the creation of the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Tourism, which was passed Thursday in first reading, Info-Prim Neo reports. On Friday, the Council staged a protest against merging the areas of youth, sport and tourism in front of the Palace of the Republic, where the parliamentary sittings take place. The protesters said that the interests of the youth could be neglected as a result of the merger, while the existence of a ministry working in three non-related areas might hinder the implementation of youth policies, said Sandu Coica, the Council's president. “The youth sector should be separated from sport, not speaking about tourism, as it will be hard to deal with three areas simultaneously. That's why we present our arguments to the new Parliament, which is to pass the given bill in second reading today.” The young people see two solutions. “The Parliament should either exclude tourism from the new Ministry of Education, Sport and Tourism or return to the initial Ministry of Education and Youth,” Sandu Coica said. Eduard Mihalas, a member of the National Youth Council's bureau, said that they want to convince the MPs and to explain the necessity of a separate Ministry of Education and Youth. If they do not agree, we will find some other ways and will submit constructive proposals. We are always ready for dialogue.” The protesters handed over by an open letter to every MP, in which they argue why the youth sector should be a priority. Speaker Mihai Ghimpu said that he knows the young people's requests, stressing: “I don't think you have reasons to consider that we do not support the youth. We intend to do everything for the young people. If you want a better future, just trust us.” Liberal MP Corina Fusu said: “We need money to formulate youth policies, but the budget is now scarce. We must pay pensions and salaries. We will review the government program and will take the given information into account.” The National Youth Council of Moldova was registered on February 18, 1999. It promotes the interests of the member organizations and youth associations and develops the youth institutions existing in Moldova by organizing training and information programs and activities.