MOLDOVA: First non-communist president official
The U.S. ambassador praised Moldova on Sept. 16, saying it was "on the path to democracy." He noted that two elections were held this year. He did add that democratic reforms were still needed.
The Communist Party said it might be persuaded to support a liberal democratic president if the four-party democratic alliance promises to keep salaries and pensions growing and vows to keep Moldova out of NATO. The new democratic government has said salaries and pensions must be put into check to get the country out of its economic woes.
On Sept. 17, the first non-Communist officially became president of Moldova. With the resignation of Communist Vladimir Voronin, the constitution states that the parliamentary speaker becomes acting president until a new appointment is made.
The Communist Party said it might be persuaded to support a liberal democratic president if the four-party democratic alliance promises to keep salaries and pensions growing and vows to keep Moldova out of NATO. The new democratic government has said salaries and pensions must be put into check to get the country out of its economic woes.
On Sept. 17, the first non-Communist officially became president of Moldova. With the resignation of Communist Vladimir Voronin, the constitution states that the parliamentary speaker becomes acting president until a new appointment is made.
Speaker Mihai Ghimpu officially became that acting president when the constitutional court confirmed him. Ghimpu then appointed the leader of an allied democratic party, Vlad Filat, as prime minister. He has 15 days to form a new government.
Filat immediately announced that the government must install austerity measures in order for the country to receive assistance from the International Monetary Fund. This action rules out any cooperation with the Communist Party.
Filat immediately announced that the government must install austerity measures in order for the country to receive assistance from the International Monetary Fund. This action rules out any cooperation with the Communist Party.
The democratic coalition does not have enough votes to appoint the next president. Eight communist delegates will have to support their candidate or parliament will dissolve again and new parliamentary elections will be called for next year. So, it just may be a short-lived government.
Parliament, now under democratic forces, voted to scrap the ban on dual citizenship. The ban was instituted to force pro-Romanian opposition members of the government to renounce their Romanian citizenship. Twenty percent of members of parliament have a Romanian passport.
Parliament, now under democratic forces, voted to scrap the ban on dual citizenship. The ban was instituted to force pro-Romanian opposition members of the government to renounce their Romanian citizenship. Twenty percent of members of parliament have a Romanian passport.
