Suspension of presidential powers in Moldova amid growing political tension

Author (Person)
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Series Details January 2018
Publication Date 02/01/2018
Content Type

Further information:

The suspension took place at the request of a group of parliamentarians from the ruling coalition. President Igor Dodor had earlier twice declined the endorsement of candidates for five government ministers and two deputy prime ministers nominated by the prime minister.

Mr Dodon said the nominees lacked competence and accused them of involvement in a national banking scandal. The government rejected those claims and appealed to the Court to appoint the seven nominees without presidential approval.

Background information:

Moldovan laws stipulate that the president can only decline to endorse candidates once and is obliged to endorse the appointments if the same candidates are nominated again.

The situation is an example of the existing tension between Mr Dodor, a supporter of closer ties between Moldova and Russia, and the government which is led by pro-EU political parties.

Moldova's Constitutional Court decided on 2 January 2018 to temporarily suspend the powers of President Igor Dodon following his refusal to approve the appointment of a number of ministers.

Related Links
EurActiv, 03.01.18: Moldovan court suspends president’s powers over refusal to appoint ministers https://www.euractiv.com/section/europe-s-east/news/moldovan-court-suspends-presidents-powers-over-refusal-to-appoint-ministers/
Interfax Ukraine, 02.01.18: Moldovan Constitutional Court suspends President Dodon's powers http://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/474335.html
Deutsche Welle, 02.01.18: Moldovan constitutional court suspends president's powers http://p.dw.com/p/2qEyf

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