Transdniestria introduces state of emergency for economy, bans energy exports

CHISINAU. Dec 9 (Interfax) - Vadim Krasnoselsky, leader of the unrecognized Transdniestrian Moldovan Republic, has introduced a state of emergency for the economy for 30 days due to the energy situation.

Krasnoselsky signed a decree to this effect on Monday, the Transdniestrian president's press service said.

The decision was made "to prevent a critical level of production, stagnation-induced under-utilization of production capacities, uncontrolled development of stagflationary processes and economically destabilizing disruptions in the monetary, credit and financial and currency-related spheres," it said.

The document introduces a range of emergency measures, including "establishing a special procedure for procuring natural gas and other energy resources; a ban on exporting energy resources by organizations [the Moldavskaya GRES in Transdniestria supplies around 80% of the electricity needed on the right bank of the Dniester under a contract]; restrictions on certain types of financial and economic activities including the movement of goods, funds, and services, and establishing a special regime for the sale, purchase and distribution of food and essential goods."

During the state of emergency, certain constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals may be restricted, including the rights to labor, rest, and strike, the press service said.

The Transdniestrian president retains control over the decree's implementation.

Krasnoselsky recommended that the Supreme Council of Transdniestria declare a state of emergency last week. The decision was expected to be made on Wednesday, December 11.

As reported, Moldova also plans to declare an energy emergency starting December 16. This is connected to statements from Kiev regarding the cessation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine.