Moldova’s political crisis is worsening, as two rival governments are in place and both claim to be the legitimate ruling group. Widespread protests over the weekend signaled the discontent felt by the people of Moldova.
Background
A general election in February failed to produce a clear majority, resulting in a hung parliament and months of negotiations as politicians attempted to form a ruling coalition. Following an election, leaders in Moldova have three months to form the government. It had been believed that the deadline would be June 9th, but on Friday the Constitutional Court ruled it was June 7th and ‘ordered new elections be held.’
On Sunday 9th, ‘the country’s top court suspended President Igor Dodon and his appointed replacement [Pavel Filip] dissolved parliament and called for snap elections.‘ The elections will be held on September 6th. However, ‘the Moldovan Parliament refused to recognize his order and claimed that the government institutions has been seized.’
Russia and the EU have recognised the coalition government.
Travel advice
If you are in Moldova or will be heading there soon, please consider the following –
- Avoid demonstrations and large crowds. Be aware violence could occur without warning.
- Review your travel risk management plan, so you know what to do in an emergency. Identify how you will leave the country if you need to do so, and make sure you have contingency plans. Identify when you will leave – the situation on the ground, transport options, political risk, etc – and discuss this with your colleagues, and relevant friends and family.
- Make sure you have the contact information of your travel insurance company and your local embassy stored in a secure offline location.
- Monitor local media. If you are using Twitter to search, add the term ‘filter:verified’ to the search bar to see results from verified accounts only.
- If possible, set aside some supplies of food and bottled water.
- Keep your devices charged.
- Check in with friends and family.
- If something does happen, contact the local embassy as soon as it is safe to do so.
Official travel advice
From the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office –
In view of the unfolding political situation you should remain alert to the possibility of protests and demonstrations. While these are currently peaceful, the situation could quickly change. Be alert to the latest developments and take extra care. You should avoid large crowds, remain vigilant and follow local security advice.
from Travel Advice Summary, which can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/moldova
Further news and information
- The New York Times: Moldova Has a New Government. The Old One Is Refusing to Leave.
- Foreign Policy: Moldova’s Governments Go Head to Head
- The Moscow Times: Russia Says It Welcomes Formation of Government in Moldova
- RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty: Rival Moldovan Governments Meet Separately As Russia Sides With New Alliance
- Financial Times: Moldova stand-off deepens as rival governments lay claim to office
- BBC News: Moldova crisis: Snap elections called by interim president
- The New York Times: Crisis in Moldova Deepens as Court Forces Out President
- Financial Times: Moldovan court relieves president of his duties
- Euronews English: Moldovan president ousted by court as crisis deepens
- RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty: Moldova’s Interim Leader Dissolves Parliament, Calls Snap Elections
Moldova’s newly declared Prime Minister Maia Sandu says her decision to form a parallel government in the former Soviet Republic is perilous https://t.co/XpnmBtL43Z
— Bloomberg (@business) June 11, 2019
#UPDATE Five EU states including Britain, France and Germany on Monday threw their support behind Moldova’s parliament as it negotiated a constitutional crisis pitting it against an interim president wanting it dissolved to hold new elections https://t.co/gxfJEVo1By
— AFP news agency (@AFP) June 10, 2019
Moldova would-be PM calls for EU’s help amid political crisis https://t.co/P5rShEyEUK pic.twitter.com/yzhyxJJShl
— euronews (@euronews) June 10, 2019
Moldova crisis deepens as new president calls snap election https://t.co/aa8SJEA8Hz pic.twitter.com/ENj1eqztOq
— Al Jazeera News (@AJENews) June 9, 2019
Like what you read? Sign up here for our free Daily Updates. We also send out a Weekly K+R Update, bundling together all the kidnap, ransom and extortion news of the week in one easy to read newsletter. (Sign up on the same form using the options at the end.) |
---|
If you found this post valuable, please show your appreciation by buying us a coffee. Thank you. Buy me a coffee