Moldovan parliament extends state of emergency by another 45 days starting June 24

CHISINAU. June 23 (Interfax) - The Moldovan parliament on Thursday extended the state of emergency declared in Moldova due to the situation in Ukraine by another 45 days starting June 24.

This decision was approved by a majority of votes.

Moldovan Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita said, when presenting the measure in parliament, that it is necessary to extend the state of emergency in light of "persistent risks facing the energy security of the country and the security of its borders, as well as the need to further coordinate refugee flows from Ukraine."

Gavrilita also said that the number of Ukrainian refugees in Moldova has significantly declined over the past few weeks, and currently stands at around 80,000.

"We need to continue providing them with support and be prepared that the refugee flow will grow again if the situation in the south of Ukraine deteriorates," she said.

The prime minister also spoke about risks related to disruptions in logistics chains and energy security.

"In the current situation, the government still needs levers and instruments in order to be able to make decisions promptly and effectively. This concerns procedures for allocating funds, simplifying customs control procedures, forming joint border groups, synchronizing the operations of customs points depending on the flow of goods and passengers, optimizing the movement of goods, etc.," Gavrilita said.

When responding to the government's request, members of the opposition Bloc of Communists and Socialists argued that there was no need to extend the state of emergency, and, therefore, they would not vote for this measure. However, the parliamentary majority of the Party of Action and Solidarity has enough votes to adopt this decision.

The Moldovan parliament declared a state of emergency for 60 days starting February 24. In April, the parliament extended the state of emergency for another 60 days.