Moldova extends state of emergency again

CHISINAU. May 26 (Interfax) - The Moldovan parliament on Friday voted to extend the national state of emergency for another 60 days.

The decision was supported by 58 members (out of a total of 101 MPs) of the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity, an Interfax correspondent reported. The opposition Bloc of Communists and Socialists voted against it.

The extension was necessary because of the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine, with "Moldova still facing the risk of a potential invasion of its airspace," Prime Minister Dorin Recean told parliament.

Moreover, more intense fighting in Ukraine "could lead to an increase in the influx of refugees, including those who will seek asylum in Moldova or cross its territory en route to a safer place, to EU member states," Recean said, adding that, "Ukraine's gas and other energy infrastructure remains at risk, which could affect the situation in Moldova as well."

"The government considers it necessary to extend the state of emergency in order to have the option of prompt intervention, should it become necessary to make any decision in addition to what is already stipulated by the present rules and the law," Recean said.

The state of emergency was imposed on February 24, 2022, and has since been extended for 60 days seven times, and once for 45 days. The last time such a decision was made was in early April; it expires on June 4.