Moldovan Democrats reject president's initiative to amend Constitution

Chisinau, 18 May /MOLDPRES/- The Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM) rejects the initiative of President Igor Dodon to amend the Constitution. PDM deputy head Sergiu Sirbu made the statement after a meeting with experts of the Venice Commission, on a visit to Chisinau.

Sirbu said that the event was focused on several issues, including Dodon’s initiative on amending the Constitution, especially, completing the duties of the president with the power to dissolve the parliament.

“From the very beginning, I want to say that the parliament will not be dissolved as the president wants. We are categorically against this initiative, which is a populist one, a political blackmail from the head of state towards the parliament. In a parliamentary republic, it is inadmissible to be able to dissolve the parliament, unless a decision has been taken following an advisory referendum. It is an initiative that goes beyond the spirit of the Constitution and the principle of separation of powers in the state. We will strongly oppose the initiatives aimed at establishing political instability in the country”, Sirbu said.

Also, the experts of the Venice Commission met the faction of the Party of Socialists. MP Vasile Bolea noted that the president’s initiative was focused on a draft amendment to the Constitution, which is already signed by the lawmakers of PSRM and will be submitted to the MPs for consideration. “We have presented arguments to the experts and announced that it is necessary for the president to have additional powers to balance political system and prevent parliament from abusing power”, Bolea said.

Today, the experts of the Venice Commission will meet other parliamentary factions.

(Reporter A. Zara, editor A. Răileanu)