The Moldovan Parliament has extended the state of emergency throughout the country for another 60 days, starting from October 2.
The MPs made the relevant decision at a plenary session on Thursday at the initiative of the Government and the Commission for Emergency Situations in the context of the immediate threat to national security caused by the war in Ukraine. While speaking in Parliament, Interior Minister Adrian Efros said that recent developments have led to the spread of the consequences of Russia's war against Ukraine beyond the neighboring country: the attack of Russian missiles and drones on Ukraine's maritime and river infrastructure create security risks in the region. In this context, there is a risk of dangerous objects falling in Moldova, including those accidentally flying over the airspace. This poses a threat to national security and Moldovan citizens. Another risk is that the Russian armed forces may intensify their strikes with cruise missiles and drones against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which could lead to a disruption of electricity supply in Moldova. In this regard, the extension of the state of emergency will allow the Government to take prompt measures to ensure, maintain and strengthen Moldova's energy security. The head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs said the blocking of grain exports from Ukraine is another risks which can complicate the situation in the field of cargo transportation and lead to overloading of Moldovan border checkpoints and disruptions in the field of transportation and communications. There are also risks of external informational impact on Moldova, with elements of disinformation. An increase in false news and manipulation is expected, with the dissemination of messages designed to undermine confidence in the institutions of the state. There are also risks of cyber attacks on state institutions. It is planned that the extension of the state of emergency for another 60 days will allow the authorities to react quickly under the circumstances and effectively manage the risks and threats that may arise. During the state of emergency, the Commission for Emergency Situations issues binding and enforceable regulations for the central and local public administration authorities, state institutions, economic agents and citizens on the Moldovan territory. According to the adopted draft decision, the state of emergency will not affect the organization and holding of local elections on Moldova's territory. Let us remind you that the state of emergency on the whole territory of Moldova was declared by the Parliament on February 24, 2022 at the proposal of the Moldovan Government. Since then, it has been regularly extended. // 21.09.2023 - InfoMarket.
