MOLDOVAN PARLIAMENT EXTENDS STATE OF EMERGENCY BY 60 DAYS

The state of emergency in Moldova (declared on February 24) has been prolonged for another 60 days. The parliament adopted this decision on Thursday by a vote of the parliamentary majority of the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS).

Arguing the need to extend the state of emergency, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita said from the rostrum of parliament that the request is motivated by the continuing uncertainty associated with the war in Ukraine, which poses direct threats to Moldova - in the security and humanitarian nature (influx of refugees).

"Threats also remain in the energy sector - related to the risks of stopping gas and electricity supplies after May 1 (if Gazprom, the sole supplier, decides to break the contract, due to Moldova's failure to audit Moldovagaz's debt)," the official stressed.

In order to cope with all crises, "full concentration of forces" is necessary, and Gavrilita has promised that "the emergency commission will act transparently and deviations from the legislation in force will be applied only when necessary to deal with emergency situations."

A separate amendment was made to the text of the decree to the effect that the imposition of the state of emergency would not affect the elections to be held in 11 Moldovan localities on May 29.