Charles Tannock, author. – Madam President, the decision to annul the results of the second round of the mayoral elections in Chișinău, as upheld by the Moldovan Supreme Court, is questionable, to say the least. International and local observers alike have testified to the fact that fundamental freedoms during the elections were fully observed, prompting concern as to the motivation of this curious move.

Andrei Năstase, who won with nearly 53% of the vote, has been involved during the past few years in a number of efforts to uncover corruption and cases of abuses of power at the highest level of office in the state. Concerns that this decision, which could prevent him from taking his elected, rightful office, is politically motivated are not to be easily dismissed – unfortunately. Coming at a time when the country is looking towards parliamentary elections later this year, its implications are of particular concern to this House.

In my Group, I therefore support the calls in this resolution to withhold any future disbursements of macro-financial assistance to Moldova under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) until we have seen the passage of parliamentary elections in line with recognised international standards. I support, of course, Moldovan Euro—Atlantic aspirations, but the country must observe democracy and the rule of law.