The state of emergency in Moldova has been extended for 60 days throughout the country, starting from April 25.
This decision was made by the parliament by the votes of 55 deputies, having approved the corresponding proposal of the government and the Commission for Emergency Situations. The adopted resolution will enter into force from the date of publication in the Monitorul oficial. As Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita noted, the extension of the state of emergency is due to the fact that Russia's military operations in Ukraine, which began on February 24, do not stop, and there are no prerequisites for improving the situation. In addition, there are risks of even greater escalation, which could further undermine security in the region, lead to an even greater influx of Ukrainian refugees into Moldova, affect the national and energy security of our country, which will require a quick response and urgent decision-making in crisis situations. The head of government assured that the Moldovan authorities, as before, would not abuse the possibilities of the state of emergency, recalling that under the state of emergency only decisions are made that relate specifically to managing the consequences of the refugee crisis and the war in Ukraine, assisting citizens, economic agents, transport workers who found themselves in a difficult situation, and all other decisions are discussed and adopted by the government and parliament in the usual way. She explained that the decision to extend the state of emergency in Moldova for 60 days was due, among other things, to the need to make prompt decisions for organizing tenders and the possible conclusion of short-term contracts for the supply of gas and electricity in the event of a possible termination of their supplies from current suppliers from May 1, adoption of other urgent measures in derogation from the current legislation in situations that cannot be foreseen now. The prime minister noted that, unfortunately, risks remain for ensuring the supply of electricity, natural gas and oil products to Moldova, especially from May 1. The energy security of the country is affected by the instability of energy markets and high price volatility, which naturally affects the functionality of market rules and the viability of norms/mechanisms related to the energy markets of Moldova, which is a net importer of natural gas, oil products and electricity. During the state of emergency, the Commission for Emergency Situations will continue to have the authority to implement a number of measures: the introduction of a special regime for entry/exit to/from Moldova, the use of airspace; movement within the country, etc. The Commission has the right to prohibit meetings, public demonstrations and other public events; introduce norms for the consumption of food and essentials; temporarily limit the supply of gas, electricity and drinking water; introduce special rules on the use of communications, to combat disinformation, false news and hate speech; attract citizens to perform labor duties in the interests of society; take action to protect critical infrastructure, as well as to ensure cybersecurity; make decisions on managing migration flows, etc. Recall, on February 24, the Moldovan Parliament adopted a law declaring a state of emergency for 60 days. // 21.04.2022 - InfoMarket
