Communists oust pro-European Government of Moldova
Moldova's honeymoon period with the EU might face a backlash. The pro-European Government fell in no-confidence vote on Tuesday after all Communist and Democrat MPs, as well as several independent lawmakers voted to remove the Executive. 54 out 101 deputies voted in favor of the no-confidence motion. At least 51 votes were needed to dismiss the Executive.
That means, the pro-European coalition, named the Alliance for European Integration, failed to continue with their prior commitment to the European Union. However, the EU urged the political parties and independent lawmakers in Moldova to start a “genuine political dialogue without delay.”
The entire cabinet, led by Liberal-Democrat Vlad Filat will need to resign by March 8th. President Nicolae Timofti will then have to appoint a new Premier who has to propose a list of candidates for each Ministry.
According to the Constitution, there can be two attempts to appoint a new cabinet. If the Parliament fails to vote in a new Government, the President is expected to dissolve the Legislative and organize early elections.
Such an event might affect the relationship between Moldova and the European Union. As the EU officials promised, Moldova could sign the Association Agreement in Vilnius in November this year, partnership which will enhance the economic ties between the sides, Moldova being the most important beneficiary.
"This vote takes place as Moldova has made substantial progress in its visa liberalization process and the completion of ambitious negotiations on an EU-Moldova Association Agreement is within sight,” said in a joint press statement Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Štefan Füle, EU Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighborhood Policy.
The Group of the European People's Party (EPP) within the European Parliament said in a comment on Twitter that the citizens of Moldova have much to gain from their political leaders' keeping the European course.
“We hope that the new political leadership of Moldova will remain committed to the European path of their country,” the EPP said.
Premier Vlad Filat said this move was an iresponsible action of the parties which voted.
“The people will evaluate. This is an act of utmost irresponsibility to have your personal interests as priority,” Vlad Filat after the vote.
EU Ambassador to Moldova, Dirk Schuebel said that he is hopeful that Moldova will overcome the current political crisis and continue its European commitment.
“The massive presence of foreign companies’ representatives and international financial bodies at the International Investment Forum “Invest in Moldova” is a good example of trust in Moldova by the international community,” Dirk Schuebel said, quoted by Adevarul newspaper.
The International Investment Forum “Invest in Moldova” takes place these days in Moldova. The main purpose of the event is to increase investment flows to Moldova by informing foreign investors on investment opportunities in Moldova, facilitating dialogue between foreign investors and local companies, identifying and promoting investment projects and focusing investors’ attention on specific sectors of the national economy.
The Government dismissal will have a negative impact on the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), says financial expert Sveatoslav Mihalache from the Financial Brains.
“The appointment of a new Government implies a lot of time and will negatively influence the economy because the state institutions will not be fully functional,” the expert said, quoted by Adevarul. “Another negative effect will be the postponement of the negotiations with the IMF.”
The international financial organization announced a week ago that the IMF mission that was due to arrive in Moldova at the end of February has been postponed. However, no further details about the next meeting were given.
By Valeriu Gonta
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