OMM Redaksiyası
Moldova has declared a state of emergency in its energy and hydrological sectors for 60 days, following a parliamentary vote on the government’s initiative.
Parliament approved the measure by 54 votes to 20. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the decision was needed to enable a rapid response and ensure continued access to energy resources and water. The announcement was reported by the state news agency Moldpres.
Government cites overlapping supply risks
Tofan said the start of the cold season had brought increased risks related to the supply of gas, fuel, electricity and water, alongside high energy prices.
A state of alert in the energy and hydrological sectors, first introduced in late July for 30 days and extended last month for another 30 days, is due to expire on Friday. According to the prime minister, the risks that prompted the alert have not disappeared and have instead intensified.
“The role of the government is not to wait for a crisis to occur and then explain why it did not act,” Tofan told lawmakers.
Emergency measures intended to prepare for crises
“We must have the instruments in place before these crises materialize,” he said, adding that the government was seeking emergency powers because the risks were becoming greater and more interconnected than those covered by the existing alert framework.
“I would rather come to parliament today to transparently explain the risks and be prepared than reach January in a situation where we need these instruments, but do not have them available,” Tofan said.
He added that the preferred outcome would be for the emergency measures to remain largely unused over the 60-day period.
