{"id":443708,"date":"2017-04-02T21:37:30","date_gmt":"2017-04-02T21:37:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/?p=443708"},"modified":"2017-04-02T21:37:30","modified_gmt":"2017-04-02T21:37:30","slug":"moldova-weekly-news-digest-2-april-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-weekly-news-digest-2-april-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"Moldova Weekly News Digest, 2 April 2017"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 9<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Igor Dodon <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/igor-dodon-signs-decree-initiate-consultative-referendum-4-topics\/\" target=\"_blank\">signs decree<\/a> to initiate consultative referendum on 4 topics<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On March 28th, the President of Moldova, Igor Dodon, presented his report on the first 100 days of his Presidential term. Besides his\u00a0achieved goals, Dodon came up with a new initiative: he signed a\u00a0decree to initiate a consultative referendum.<\/p>\n<p>The national referendum planned for 24 September 2017 will have four topics of debate:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\u201cDo you support cancelling the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-parliament-rejects-dodons-draft-law-cancelling-payment-stolen-billion\/\" target=\"_blank\">Law of the Billion?<\/a>\u201c<\/li>\n<li>\u201cDo you support giving to the President of Moldova additional rights to dissolve the Parliament and (call for) preliminary Parliamentary elections?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cDo you support reducing the number of deputies from 101 to 71?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cDo you support the studying of \u201cHistory of Moldova\u201d in education institutions?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>2014 census results are finally published: Moldova\u2019s population is 2,9 million people<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On 31 March 2017, the National Bureau of Statistics <a href=\"http:\/\/www.statistica.md\/newsview.php?l=ro&amp;idc=168&amp;id=5583&amp;parent=0\" target=\"_blank\">finally published<\/a> the results of the national census conducted in May 2014.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Bureau, the degree of coverage of the census over Chi\u0219in\u0103u municipality is 59%, while the total republican coverage is 91%. The estimated population that was not included in the polls is 193 434 persons- thus making the total population <strong>2 998 235<\/strong> people.<\/p>\n<p>Just for comparison, the population in 2004 was\u00a0<strong>3 383 332<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The persons included in the census had the free option to declare their ethnicity, mother tongue, usual tongue and religion. 98,2% of the respondents chose to declare their ethnicity.<\/p>\n<p>The ethnic composition is the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>75,1% declared themselves Moldovans;<\/li>\n<li>7%: Romanians;<\/li>\n<li>6,6%: Ukrainians;<\/li>\n<li>4,6%: Gagauz;<\/li>\n<li>4,1%: Russians;<\/li>\n<li>1,9%: Bulgarians;<\/li>\n<li>0,3%: Roma<\/li>\n<li>Others-0,5%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Other significant ethnic groups (over 1000 people) are Belarusians (2,8 thousand), Jews (1,6 thousand), Poles (1,4 thousand), Armenians (one thousand).<\/p>\n<p>A wider description of the census results can be <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/2014-census-results-finally-published-moldovas-population-29-million-people\/\" target=\"_blank\">read\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-2014-identity-census-751-declared-moldovans-7-romanians-66-ukrainians-46-gagauz\/\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Moldova Parliament votes lifting MP immunity in first lecture, Socialists and Communists oppose it<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On March 30th, a majority of the Moldova Parliament <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-parliament-votes-lifting-mp-immunity-first-lecture-socialists-communists-oppose\/\" target=\"_blank\">voted<\/a> the draft law on modifying the Constitution of Moldova on lifting the immunity of MPs.<\/p>\n<p>The Parliamentary majority led by the Democrats voted for the lifting of MP immunity, while the Socialist and Communist MPs criticized the initiative. The latter think that this Constitution change\u00a0<em>\u201cwould favor the abuses towards the opposition deputies\u201d,\u00a0<\/em>suggesting that the prosecution and justice systems controlled by the Democratic party would endanger their autonomy. The Liberal-Democrats criticized the proposal for the poor description, but voted in favor of it, saying that they\u00a0<em>\u201cdon\u2019t fear anything\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The draft law proposes to eliminate the 3rd paragraph of the 70th article of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova. Currently, the deputy cannot be retained, arrested, searched except for the cases of obvious felony, or sent to court without the approval of the Parliament and after a hearing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Moldova PM Pavel Filip and European Council President Donald Tusk: Audiovisual Code and Integrity Law need to be adopted<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/03\/foto-_j0a8671-696x464.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On March 29th, the Prime-Minister of Moldova, Pavel Filip, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-pm-filip-european-council-president-tusk-audiovisual-code-integrity-law-need-adopted\/\" target=\"_blank\">met<\/a> at Brussels the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk.<\/p>\n<p>The two officials mainly discussed about the internal and external policy priorities, along with progress in implementing the reforms in accordance with the Association Agreement and the agreed roadmap. Tusk and Filip paid special attention to the Audiovisual Code and the Integrity Law, some of the main provisions that were not created or adopted from the roadmap.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; On 31 March 2017, the third meeting of the Association Council Moldova-European Union took place in Brussels. The Moldovan Government submitted the report on the implementation of the Association Agenda 2014-2016, after EU&#8217;s report was published on 13 March.<\/p>\n<p>The Council noted that Moldova should continue the reforms in justice, media, energy and the business environment.<\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.consilium.europa.eu\/en\/press\/press-releases\/2017\/03\/31-statement-eu-moldova\/\" target=\"_blank\">EU Council joint statement<\/a>, the Association Council agreed on the need to adopt a package of anti-corruption laws, including a\u00a0new legislative framework on integrity. The EU underlined the importance for\u00a0<em>comprehensive, impartial and effective investigations\u00a0<\/em>on the banking frauds discovered at the end of 2014.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/gov.md\/sites\/default\/files\/content_images\/foto-_j0a0087_0.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Special attention was drawn on the reforms in the electoral system.<\/p>\n<p><em>The EU highlighted that any change to the electoral system should strengthen the principles of democracy in the country and should be made on the basis of a broad consensus amongst political forces, following a genuine consultation of civil society and in accordance with the recommendation of relevant international partners, namely the Council of Europe Venice Commission, and the OSCE\/ODIHR.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Moldova had only to confirm its commitment to doing that.<\/p>\n<p>What regards the media, Moldova was recommended to address the concentration of media ownership and polarization, but also to create preconditions for the development of local media and industry incentives.<\/p>\n<p>Other than that, the Association Council recommended to increase the effectiveness in the use of the DCFTA provisions, in the use of EU funds by improving market conditions, transparency in public procurement, energy sector. Moreover, the Council drew attention to the need to adopt a strategy to integrate the national minorities, with a special regard to Gagauzia and Taraclia. Speeding up efforts in the settlement process of the Transnistrian conflict was also strongly suggested by the Council.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/gov.md\/sites\/default\/files\/content_images\/foto-_j0a9921.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On the same day, PM Filip signed with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, an agreement for exchange of classified information. The agreement is aimed at increasing security cooperation between Moldova and the European Union.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>NATO Secretary General: Liaison office in Moldova will be a diplomatic mission with civil employees<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/03\/foto-_j0a8799_0-696x464.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On March 30th, the Prime-Minister of Moldova, Pavel Filip, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/nato-secretary-general-liaison-office-moldova-will-diplomatic-mission-civil-employees\/\" target=\"_blank\">paid a visit<\/a> to the NATO Headquarters in Brussels to meet the Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.<\/p>\n<p>PM Filip told Secretary Stoltenberg that his Government is for the dinamization of the relation with the NATO within the Partnership for Peace and the constitutional neutrality principle. Filip reminded that his cabinet will soon finish and send for consultation the Individual Action Plan Moldova-NATO for 2017-2019, including projects of cyber security and pesticide disposal.<\/p>\n<p>In his turn, Stoltenberg assured that the Alliance respects the territorial integrity, sovereignty and neutrality of the Republic of Moldova, but also offers support in implementing reforms for good governance and corruption fight.<\/p>\n<p>The Secretary General reiterated that the Liaison Office in Moldova will be a diplomatic mission only with civil employees, like in other countries like Russia or neutral countries like Austria, Switzerland and Finland.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Maia Sandu at EPP Summit: Moldova Government is killing hope that Moldovans can have a future at home<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/03\/C8F534AXQAA6HI4-696x464.jpeg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On March 29th, former Presidential candidate Maia Sandu <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/maia-sandu-epp-summit-moldova-government-killing-hope-moldovans-can-future-home\/\" target=\"_blank\">had the opportunity<\/a> to address the EPP Congress on the behalf of pro-European\u00a0opposition from Moldova.<\/p>\n<p><em>Speaking on behalf of the Moldovan citizens\u00a0<\/em>who support the European cause of Moldova, Sandu referred to the strong result achieved <em>without media resources, without money,<\/em>\u00a0in the Presidential elections against Igor Dodon,\u00a0<em>promoted by corrupt, oligarchic government<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>The former World Bank consultant emphasized that Moldovan is governed by an oligarchic party (Democratic Party) with less than 4% support, but that managed to create a\u00a0parliamentary majority\u00a0<em>through bribery, manipulation and intimidation<\/em>, captured all government institutions, including courts and prosecution.<\/p>\n<p>According to Sandu, President Igor Dodon (and his pro-Russian views) is a\u00a0<em>fake political opponent, a scarecrow to stay in power\u00a0<\/em>for the Democrats. Moreover, Sandu warned that, to continue the control over Moldova, the latter would try to switch\u00a0<em>to an electoral system that will allow them to more easily rig the next elections<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>The former Presidential candidate declared that the worst action\u00a0of the current government is\u00a0<em><strong>killing hope<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 <em>hope that Moldovans can have a future at home<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Moldova Deputy Economy Minister arrested for abuse of power and damage to state budget<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On 31 March 2017, the Vice-Minister of Economy of Moldova, Valeriu Triboi, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-deputy-economy-minister-arrested-abuse-power-damage-state-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\">was arrested<\/a> by anti-corruption prosecutors and Anti-Corruption Center (CNA) officers in case involving abuse of power\u00a0and substantial damage to the state budget.<\/p>\n<p>Taken under the custody of the Anti-Corruption Center for 72 hours, Triboi is accused of power\u00a0abuse for buying, through a third party, from SA Moldtelecom (state founded) a building worth almost 1 million lei and then renting it out for 10 years to the state-owned electricity distributor Furnizarea Energiei Electrice Nord.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, the Deputy Economy Minister ordered to repair the building, belonging to him, from the funds of Furnizarea Energiei Electrice Nord- 4 million lei.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>GUAM meeting: Ukraine PM Groysman expects a Free Trade Area by end of 2017, Moldova PM Filip calls for investment<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On 27 March, heads of Governments of Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/guam-meeting-ukraine-pm-groysman-expects-free-trade-area-end-2017-moldova-pm-filip-calls-investment\/\" target=\"_blank\">took part<\/a>\u00a0at the reunion of the GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development in Kyiv.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/03\/foto-_j0a7750-696x464.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The main topic of the forum was still the opportunity of creating a Free Trade Area, together with a facilitated customs regime, between the four states. In this regard, two protocols were signed by the respective countries.<\/p>\n<p>Ukraine\u2019s PM, Volodymyr Groysman, underlined the need to conclude the formation of the GUAM <em>comprehensive<\/em>\u00a0Free Trade Area in 2017:<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cI would like to urge economy ministries of our countries to be more resolute and to complete and sign every required document, I mean additional protocols, in the near future, so that we can launch a comprehensive mechanism of free trade between our states in 2017\u201d,\u00a0<\/em>said Groysman, quoted by <a href=\"http:\/\/en.interfax.com.ua\/news\/economic\/411652.html\" target=\"_blank\">Interfax-Ukraine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The same GUAM reunion included a Business Forum. The Moldovan Prime-Minister, Pavel Filip, called on more than 70 Georgian, Ukrainian and Azeri investors to come to Moldova. As motivation, Filip stated that in Moldova there are 7 Free Economic Areas, 10 industrial parks, several international communication ways and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. Moreover, the Moldovan PM lauded his Government for reducing by 70% the number of control institutions and by 60% the number of required documents and permits.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Moldova signs electricity supply contract with Ukrainian DTEK Trading, putting Cuciurgan power plant from Transnistria aside<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On 31 March 2017, Energocom <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-signs-electricity-supply-contract-ukrainian-dtek-trading-putting-cuciurgan-power-plant-transnistria-aside\/\" target=\"_blank\">signed<\/a> with the Ukrainian \u201cDTEK Trading\u201d a contract of electricity supply to Moldova between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018.<\/p>\n<p>Thus, the electricity operators from Moldova- \u00ceCS Gas Natural Fenosa Furnizare Energie SRL, \u00ceCS Red Union Fenosa SA, Furnizare Energie Electric\u0103 Nord, \u00ceS Moldelectrica, SA Red Nord and SA Red Nord Vest- signed the supply contracts with a price of 50,2 USD for 1 MWh.<\/p>\n<p>Another offer, proposed by the previous supplier-\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/black-sea-euenergy-supplier-transnistria-linked-theft-one-billion\/\" target=\"_blank\">Cuciurgan power plant<\/a>, controlled by the Russian \u201cINTERAO\u201d and situated in the Transnistrian region-, was rejected because of higher price- 58,5 USD\/MWh in the first round of the contest, 54,4 USD\/MWh. Energocom\u2019s offer from DTEK Trading was more advantageous due to the future savings of some 300 million lei.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Elections of Gagauzia People\u2019s Assembly end after 4 months with court decision to finally approve one last deputy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On March 29th, the Appeal Court of Comrat <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/elections-gagauzia-peoples-assembly-end-4-months-court-decision-finally-approve-one-last-deputy\/\" target=\"_blank\">canceled the decision<\/a> of the Electoral Commission of Gagauzia on declaring the elections in 1st district invalid, reports Gagauzinfo.md.<\/p>\n<p>Previously, the elections in the first district (Comrat) <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/election-deputy-gagauzia-peoples-assembly-fails-constituency-due-low-turnout\/\" target=\"_blank\">were declared invalid<\/a> due to low turnout-\u00a032,1% compared to the minimal required 33,3%- only 71 votes were lacking for the validation of the election. Out of the 1861 people who participated at the voting, 1678 voted for the only candidate Vitaly Dragoy. The latter submitted a complaint saying that the list of voters was containing too many voters and the Electoral Commission did not use the official register of voters.<\/p>\n<p>The whole case regarding the turnout in the first district was reviewed by the Appeal Court at the request of the candidate Anna Bratunova, who did not receive a favorable response. To the opposite, the judges canceled the ruling of the Electoral Commission, based on the proof brought by Dragoy\u2019s lawyer about the real number of voters in the district- 231 did not even have the right to be there.<\/p>\n<p>It was established that the real\u00a0threshold for the election was actually 1847 people (33,33%), so the participation of a total 1861 voters would make Dragoy a deputy in Gagauzia\u2019s legislative institution. Despite the voters\u2019 protest\u00a0showed with the help of 183 invalid ballots.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Igor Dodon and Vadim Krasnoselsky discussed the \u201cpackage of eight\u201d and the issue of Cuciurgan checkpoint<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On March 30th, the President of the Republic of Moldova, Igor Dodon, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/igor-dodon-vadim-krasnoselsky-discussed-package-eight-issue-cuciurgan-checkpoint\/\" target=\"_blank\">welcomed<\/a> the so-called president of the separatist Pridnestrovian Moldovan Republic, Vadim Krasnoselsky, at the presidential villa in Holercani. The meeting was closed to the press, but both leaders later came up with statements.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/03\/IMG_2874-696x468.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Accompanied by their staffs, Dodon and Krasnoselsky discussed the \u201cpackage of eight\u201d agreed within the Berlin protocol. Dodon remarked that Transnistria did some progress in ensuring the simplification of\u00a0<em>border\u00a0<\/em>crossing for Moldova citizens going to the left bank of Nistru, along with\u00a0the well-functioning of the Latin script schools in the region. The Moldovan President told that Transnistria\u2019s leader handed over a list of 10 Moldovan public servants, including a former mayor of bordering Varni\u021ba village, whose penal cases were stopped in the breakaway region.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/presedinte.md\/img\/media\/1423\/IMG_2867.JPG\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In his turn, Vadim Krasnoselsky told Dodon about Transnistria\u2019s concerns on the opening of the joint checkpoint Cuciurgan-Pervomaisk, claiming it would bring budgetary losses, loss of jobs and losses for small businesses. Instead, Krasnoselsky lauded the activity of EUBAM (European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine), whose activity is reportedly enough. One of Dodon\u2019s advisers already received a request from their Transnistrian colleagues to review the risks related to Cuciurgan checkpoint.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 9<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>&#8211;\u00a0Igor Dodon signs decree to initiate consultative referendum on 4 topics On March 28th, the President of Moldova, Igor Dodon, presented his report on the first 100 days of his Presidential term. Besides his\u00a0achieved goals, Dodon came up with a new initiative: he signed a\u00a0decree to initiate a consultative referendum. The national referendum planned for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":443675,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-443708","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-important-en"],"content_social_share":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 9<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Igor Dodon <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/igor-dodon-signs-decree-initiate-consultative-referendum-4-topics\/\" target=\"_blank\">signs decree<\/a> to initiate consultative referendum on 4 topics<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On March 28th, the President of Moldova, Igor Dodon, presented his report on the first 100 days of his Presidential term. Besides his\u00a0achieved goals, Dodon came up with a new initiative: he signed a\u00a0decree to initiate a consultative referendum.<\/p>\n<p>The national referendum planned for 24 September 2017 will have four topics of debate:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>\u201cDo you support cancelling the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-parliament-rejects-dodons-draft-law-cancelling-payment-stolen-billion\/\" target=\"_blank\">Law of the Billion?<\/a>\u201c<\/li>\n<li>\u201cDo you support giving to the President of Moldova additional rights to dissolve the Parliament and (call for) preliminary Parliamentary elections?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cDo you support reducing the number of deputies from 101 to 71?\u201d<\/li>\n<li>\u201cDo you support the studying of \u201cHistory of Moldova\u201d in education institutions?\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>2014 census results are finally published: Moldova\u2019s population is 2,9 million people<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On 31 March 2017, the National Bureau of Statistics <a href=\"http:\/\/www.statistica.md\/newsview.php?l=ro&amp;idc=168&amp;id=5583&amp;parent=0\" target=\"_blank\">finally published<\/a> the results of the national census conducted in May 2014.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Bureau, the degree of coverage of the census over Chi\u0219in\u0103u municipality is 59%, while the total republican coverage is 91%. The estimated population that was not included in the polls is 193 434 persons- thus making the total population <strong>2 998 235<\/strong> people.<\/p>\n<p>Just for comparison, the population in 2004 was\u00a0<strong>3 383 332<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>The persons included in the census had the free option to declare their ethnicity, mother tongue, usual tongue and religion. 98,2% of the respondents chose to declare their ethnicity.<\/p>\n<p>The ethnic composition is the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>75,1% declared themselves Moldovans;<\/li>\n<li>7%: Romanians;<\/li>\n<li>6,6%: Ukrainians;<\/li>\n<li>4,6%: Gagauz;<\/li>\n<li>4,1%: Russians;<\/li>\n<li>1,9%: Bulgarians;<\/li>\n<li>0,3%: Roma<\/li>\n<li>Others-0,5%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Other significant ethnic groups (over 1000 people) are Belarusians (2,8 thousand), Jews (1,6 thousand), Poles (1,4 thousand), Armenians (one thousand).<\/p>\n<p>A wider description of the census results can be <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/2014-census-results-finally-published-moldovas-population-29-million-people\/\" target=\"_blank\">read\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0and <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-2014-identity-census-751-declared-moldovans-7-romanians-66-ukrainians-46-gagauz\/\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Moldova Parliament votes lifting MP immunity in first lecture, Socialists and Communists oppose it<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On March 30th, a majority of the Moldova Parliament <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-parliament-votes-lifting-mp-immunity-first-lecture-socialists-communists-oppose\/\" target=\"_blank\">voted<\/a> the draft law on modifying the Constitution of Moldova on lifting the immunity of MPs.<\/p>\n<p>The Parliamentary majority led by the Democrats voted for the lifting of MP immunity, while the Socialist and Communist MPs criticized the initiative. The latter think that this Constitution change\u00a0<em>\u201cwould favor the abuses towards the opposition deputies\u201d,\u00a0<\/em>suggesting that the prosecution and justice systems controlled by the Democratic party would endanger their autonomy. The Liberal-Democrats criticized the proposal for the poor description, but voted in favor of it, saying that they\u00a0<em>\u201cdon\u2019t fear anything\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The draft law proposes to eliminate the 3rd paragraph of the 70th article of the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova. Currently, the deputy cannot be retained, arrested, searched except for the cases of obvious felony, or sent to court without the approval of the Parliament and after a hearing.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Moldova PM Pavel Filip and European Council President Donald Tusk: Audiovisual Code and Integrity Law need to be adopted<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/03\/foto-_j0a8671-696x464.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On March 29th, the Prime-Minister of Moldova, Pavel Filip, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-pm-filip-european-council-president-tusk-audiovisual-code-integrity-law-need-adopted\/\" target=\"_blank\">met<\/a> at Brussels the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk.<\/p>\n<p>The two officials mainly discussed about the internal and external policy priorities, along with progress in implementing the reforms in accordance with the Association Agreement and the agreed roadmap. Tusk and Filip paid special attention to the Audiovisual Code and the Integrity Law, some of the main provisions that were not created or adopted from the roadmap.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; On 31 March 2017, the third meeting of the Association Council Moldova-European Union took place in Brussels. The Moldovan Government submitted the report on the implementation of the Association Agenda 2014-2016, after EU&#8217;s report was published on 13 March.<\/p>\n<p>The Council noted that Moldova should continue the reforms in justice, media, energy and the business environment.<\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"http:\/\/www.consilium.europa.eu\/en\/press\/press-releases\/2017\/03\/31-statement-eu-moldova\/\" target=\"_blank\">EU Council joint statement<\/a>, the Association Council agreed on the need to adopt a package of anti-corruption laws, including a\u00a0new legislative framework on integrity. The EU underlined the importance for\u00a0<em>comprehensive, impartial and effective investigations\u00a0<\/em>on the banking frauds discovered at the end of 2014.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/gov.md\/sites\/default\/files\/content_images\/foto-_j0a0087_0.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Special attention was drawn on the reforms in the electoral system.<\/p>\n<p><em>The EU highlighted that any change to the electoral system should strengthen the principles of democracy in the country and should be made on the basis of a broad consensus amongst political forces, following a genuine consultation of civil society and in accordance with the recommendation of relevant international partners, namely the Council of Europe Venice Commission, and the OSCE\/ODIHR.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Moldova had only to confirm its commitment to doing that.<\/p>\n<p>What regards the media, Moldova was recommended to address the concentration of media ownership and polarization, but also to create preconditions for the development of local media and industry incentives.<\/p>\n<p>Other than that, the Association Council recommended to increase the effectiveness in the use of the DCFTA provisions, in the use of EU funds by improving market conditions, transparency in public procurement, energy sector. Moreover, the Council drew attention to the need to adopt a strategy to integrate the national minorities, with a special regard to Gagauzia and Taraclia. Speeding up efforts in the settlement process of the Transnistrian conflict was also strongly suggested by the Council.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/gov.md\/sites\/default\/files\/content_images\/foto-_j0a9921.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On the same day, PM Filip signed with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, an agreement for exchange of classified information. The agreement is aimed at increasing security cooperation between Moldova and the European Union.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>NATO Secretary General: Liaison office in Moldova will be a diplomatic mission with civil employees<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/03\/foto-_j0a8799_0-696x464.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On March 30th, the Prime-Minister of Moldova, Pavel Filip, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/nato-secretary-general-liaison-office-moldova-will-diplomatic-mission-civil-employees\/\" target=\"_blank\">paid a visit<\/a> to the NATO Headquarters in Brussels to meet the Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.<\/p>\n<p>PM Filip told Secretary Stoltenberg that his Government is for the dinamization of the relation with the NATO within the Partnership for Peace and the constitutional neutrality principle. Filip reminded that his cabinet will soon finish and send for consultation the Individual Action Plan Moldova-NATO for 2017-2019, including projects of cyber security and pesticide disposal.<\/p>\n<p>In his turn, Stoltenberg assured that the Alliance respects the territorial integrity, sovereignty and neutrality of the Republic of Moldova, but also offers support in implementing reforms for good governance and corruption fight.<\/p>\n<p>The Secretary General reiterated that the Liaison Office in Moldova will be a diplomatic mission only with civil employees, like in other countries like Russia or neutral countries like Austria, Switzerland and Finland.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Maia Sandu at EPP Summit: Moldova Government is killing hope that Moldovans can have a future at home<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/03\/C8F534AXQAA6HI4-696x464.jpeg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>On March 29th, former Presidential candidate Maia Sandu <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/maia-sandu-epp-summit-moldova-government-killing-hope-moldovans-can-future-home\/\" target=\"_blank\">had the opportunity<\/a> to address the EPP Congress on the behalf of pro-European\u00a0opposition from Moldova.<\/p>\n<p><em>Speaking on behalf of the Moldovan citizens\u00a0<\/em>who support the European cause of Moldova, Sandu referred to the strong result achieved <em>without media resources, without money,<\/em>\u00a0in the Presidential elections against Igor Dodon,\u00a0<em>promoted by corrupt, oligarchic government<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>The former World Bank consultant emphasized that Moldovan is governed by an oligarchic party (Democratic Party) with less than 4% support, but that managed to create a\u00a0parliamentary majority\u00a0<em>through bribery, manipulation and intimidation<\/em>, captured all government institutions, including courts and prosecution.<\/p>\n<p>According to Sandu, President Igor Dodon (and his pro-Russian views) is a\u00a0<em>fake political opponent, a scarecrow to stay in power\u00a0<\/em>for the Democrats. Moreover, Sandu warned that, to continue the control over Moldova, the latter would try to switch\u00a0<em>to an electoral system that will allow them to more easily rig the next elections<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>The former Presidential candidate declared that the worst action\u00a0of the current government is\u00a0<em><strong>killing hope<\/strong><\/em>\u2013 <em>hope that Moldovans can have a future at home<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Moldova Deputy Economy Minister arrested for abuse of power and damage to state budget<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On 31 March 2017, the Vice-Minister of Economy of Moldova, Valeriu Triboi, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-deputy-economy-minister-arrested-abuse-power-damage-state-budget\/\" target=\"_blank\">was arrested<\/a> by anti-corruption prosecutors and Anti-Corruption Center (CNA) officers in case involving abuse of power\u00a0and substantial damage to the state budget.<\/p>\n<p>Taken under the custody of the Anti-Corruption Center for 72 hours, Triboi is accused of power\u00a0abuse for buying, through a third party, from SA Moldtelecom (state founded) a building worth almost 1 million lei and then renting it out for 10 years to the state-owned electricity distributor Furnizarea Energiei Electrice Nord.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, the Deputy Economy Minister ordered to repair the building, belonging to him, from the funds of Furnizarea Energiei Electrice Nord- 4 million lei.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>GUAM meeting: Ukraine PM Groysman expects a Free Trade Area by end of 2017, Moldova PM Filip calls for investment<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On 27 March, heads of Governments of Georgia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/guam-meeting-ukraine-pm-groysman-expects-free-trade-area-end-2017-moldova-pm-filip-calls-investment\/\" target=\"_blank\">took part<\/a>\u00a0at the reunion of the GUAM Organization for Democracy and Economic Development in Kyiv.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/03\/foto-_j0a7750-696x464.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The main topic of the forum was still the opportunity of creating a Free Trade Area, together with a facilitated customs regime, between the four states. In this regard, two protocols were signed by the respective countries.<\/p>\n<p>Ukraine\u2019s PM, Volodymyr Groysman, underlined the need to conclude the formation of the GUAM <em>comprehensive<\/em>\u00a0Free Trade Area in 2017:<\/p>\n<p><em>\u201cI would like to urge economy ministries of our countries to be more resolute and to complete and sign every required document, I mean additional protocols, in the near future, so that we can launch a comprehensive mechanism of free trade between our states in 2017\u201d,\u00a0<\/em>said Groysman, quoted by <a href=\"http:\/\/en.interfax.com.ua\/news\/economic\/411652.html\" target=\"_blank\">Interfax-Ukraine<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The same GUAM reunion included a Business Forum. The Moldovan Prime-Minister, Pavel Filip, called on more than 70 Georgian, Ukrainian and Azeri investors to come to Moldova. As motivation, Filip stated that in Moldova there are 7 Free Economic Areas, 10 industrial parks, several international communication ways and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union. Moreover, the Moldovan PM lauded his Government for reducing by 70% the number of control institutions and by 60% the number of required documents and permits.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Moldova signs electricity supply contract with Ukrainian DTEK Trading, putting Cuciurgan power plant from Transnistria aside<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On 31 March 2017, Energocom <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/moldova-signs-electricity-supply-contract-ukrainian-dtek-trading-putting-cuciurgan-power-plant-transnistria-aside\/\" target=\"_blank\">signed<\/a> with the Ukrainian \u201cDTEK Trading\u201d a contract of electricity supply to Moldova between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2018.<\/p>\n<p>Thus, the electricity operators from Moldova- \u00ceCS Gas Natural Fenosa Furnizare Energie SRL, \u00ceCS Red Union Fenosa SA, Furnizare Energie Electric\u0103 Nord, \u00ceS Moldelectrica, SA Red Nord and SA Red Nord Vest- signed the supply contracts with a price of 50,2 USD for 1 MWh.<\/p>\n<p>Another offer, proposed by the previous supplier-\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/black-sea-euenergy-supplier-transnistria-linked-theft-one-billion\/\" target=\"_blank\">Cuciurgan power plant<\/a>, controlled by the Russian \u201cINTERAO\u201d and situated in the Transnistrian region-, was rejected because of higher price- 58,5 USD\/MWh in the first round of the contest, 54,4 USD\/MWh. Energocom\u2019s offer from DTEK Trading was more advantageous due to the future savings of some 300 million lei.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Elections of Gagauzia People\u2019s Assembly end after 4 months with court decision to finally approve one last deputy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On March 29th, the Appeal Court of Comrat <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/elections-gagauzia-peoples-assembly-end-4-months-court-decision-finally-approve-one-last-deputy\/\" target=\"_blank\">canceled the decision<\/a> of the Electoral Commission of Gagauzia on declaring the elections in 1st district invalid, reports Gagauzinfo.md.<\/p>\n<p>Previously, the elections in the first district (Comrat) <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/election-deputy-gagauzia-peoples-assembly-fails-constituency-due-low-turnout\/\" target=\"_blank\">were declared invalid<\/a> due to low turnout-\u00a032,1% compared to the minimal required 33,3%- only 71 votes were lacking for the validation of the election. Out of the 1861 people who participated at the voting, 1678 voted for the only candidate Vitaly Dragoy. The latter submitted a complaint saying that the list of voters was containing too many voters and the Electoral Commission did not use the official register of voters.<\/p>\n<p>The whole case regarding the turnout in the first district was reviewed by the Appeal Court at the request of the candidate Anna Bratunova, who did not receive a favorable response. To the opposite, the judges canceled the ruling of the Electoral Commission, based on the proof brought by Dragoy\u2019s lawyer about the real number of voters in the district- 231 did not even have the right to be there.<\/p>\n<p>It was established that the real\u00a0threshold for the election was actually 1847 people (33,33%), so the participation of a total 1861 voters would make Dragoy a deputy in Gagauzia\u2019s legislative institution. Despite the voters\u2019 protest\u00a0showed with the help of 183 invalid ballots.<\/p>\n<p>&#8211;\u00a0<strong>Igor Dodon and Vadim Krasnoselsky discussed the \u201cpackage of eight\u201d and the issue of Cuciurgan checkpoint<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>On March 30th, the President of the Republic of Moldova, Igor Dodon, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/igor-dodon-vadim-krasnoselsky-discussed-package-eight-issue-cuciurgan-checkpoint\/\" target=\"_blank\">welcomed<\/a> the so-called president of the separatist Pridnestrovian Moldovan Republic, Vadim Krasnoselsky, at the presidential villa in Holercani. The meeting was closed to the press, but both leaders later came up with statements.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/www.moldova.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/03\/IMG_2874-696x468.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Accompanied by their staffs, Dodon and Krasnoselsky discussed the \u201cpackage of eight\u201d agreed within the Berlin protocol. Dodon remarked that Transnistria did some progress in ensuring the simplification of\u00a0<em>border\u00a0<\/em>crossing for Moldova citizens going to the left bank of Nistru, along with\u00a0the well-functioning of the Latin script schools in the region. The Moldovan President told that Transnistria\u2019s leader handed over a list of 10 Moldovan public servants, including a former mayor of bordering Varni\u021ba village, whose penal cases were stopped in the breakaway region.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"http:\/\/presedinte.md\/img\/media\/1423\/IMG_2867.JPG\" \/><\/p>\n<p>In his turn, Vadim Krasnoselsky told Dodon about Transnistria\u2019s concerns on the opening of the joint checkpoint Cuciurgan-Pervomaisk, claiming it would bring budgetary losses, loss of jobs and losses for small businesses. Instead, Krasnoselsky lauded the activity of EUBAM (European Union Border Assistance Mission to Moldova and Ukraine), whose activity is reportedly enough. 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content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Cristi Vlas\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.moldova.org\\\/en\\\/moldova-weekly-news-digest-2-april-2017\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.moldova.org\\\/en\\\/moldova-weekly-news-digest-2-april-2017\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Cristi Vlas\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.moldova.org\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/dcbd06b375a29cab9233deffe7826a9f\"},\"headline\":\"Moldova Weekly News Digest, 2 April 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