PACE debated report on functioning democratic institutions in Moldova

Chisinau, 4 October /MOLDPRES/- Report on functioning democratic institutions in Moldova was debated by the plenary of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe / PACE / at the 3 October meeting, the parliament’s communication and public relations department has reported.

The document’s authors are PACE co-rapporteurs Egidijus Vareikis (Lithuania) and Maryvonne Blondin (France). The report was worked out following a visit to Chisinau in July by PACE officials.

The co-rapporteurs said that the PACE welcomed the peaceful transition of power, resistance and compassion shown by the Moldovan people, who, through their vote, clearly expressed their desire for political alternation and expectations of true change. Egidijus Vareikis and Maryvonne Blondin stressed that the political forces that formed the ruling coalition, the PSRM and ACUM bloc, represent a large area of the Moldovan electorate, which have managed to agree on common political goals despite their divergent political views.

The PACE also noted that the newly established government has made a priority after a "temporary political agreement", the de-oligarchization of the country and fight against corruption. The assembly recognized the legitimate and necessary steps to eradicate the elements of a "captured state" from the state institutions.

At the same time, the PACE called on the Moldovan authorities to ensure that the measures due to be set up will allow them to reform the system and, finally, to strengthen the democratic institutions. The Assembly also pointed out that democratic processes must be promoted, and called on parliament  to monitor that the opposition’s rights are respected.

PACE co-rapporteurs urged the authorities to ensure that the reforms meant to "clean up" the institutions meet the Council of Europe rules, aimed at depoliticizing and independence of the institutions, especially the judiciary system.

The PACE urged the Moldovan authorities, with the assistance of the Council of Europe, to continue efforts to improve electoral law after the abolition of the mixed electoral system, reform the judicial system, fight corruption and money laundering and investigate bank fraud. PACE announced it will follow developments in Moldova under its monitoring procedure.

The debates included 14 MEPs and three members of the Moldovan delegation to PACE, present at the session: Doina Gherman, Inga Grigoriu and Andrian Candu.

At the end, the PACE plenary voted on the country report and draft resolution on functioning of democratic institutions in the Republic of Moldova.

The autumn session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe takes place in Strasbourg on 30 September - 4 October.