​PARLIAMENT REJECTS OPPOSITION PROPOSAL TO REMOVE REFERENDUM ISSUE FROM SESSION AGENDA

The Parliament has rejected the opposition's proposal to remove from the agenda of the session the issue of appointing a referendum on European integration. The proposal was made by Grigore Novac, a deputy from the Bloc of Communist and Socialist.

"We propose to exclude this issue from the agenda, as this problem is not relevant. There is no consensus on this issue in society. Besides, this is not the time to consult the opinion of citizens. There is only a decision to start negotiations with the European Union on Moldova's accession to the EU, but the negotiations have not even started. Undoubtedly, a referendum will have to be held, but not now, but only after the negotiations are finalized," Novac strrssed.

A member of the parliamentary majority from the PAS party disagreed with him.

"There is a consensus in society, and there is an understanding about the need for European integration. The European Union is a space of peace, well-being and prosperity. And we will move forward along this path, despite the objections of some dissenters," MP Mihai Druta said.

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu also criticized the Socialists' proposal.

"Until recently, you said that a referendum was necessary. Now that we have come to this point, you are already saying that you are against it. You have no arguments left (in favor of integration with Russia - "I."), and you are trying to just obstruct. But you won't succeed," Grosu emphasized.

The referendum on October 20 will be discussed by the parliament at the plenary session.