MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the political crisis in Moldova following the invalidation of the mayoral elections in Chisinau

3.7.2018 - (2018/2783(RSP))

with request for inclusion in the agenda for a debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 135 of the Rules of Procedure

Elena Valenciano, Victor Boştinaru, Josef Weidenholzer, Knut Fleckenstein on behalf of the S&D Group

NB: This motion for a resolution is available in the original language only.

B8‑0329/2018

European Parliament resolution on the political crisis in Moldova following the invalidation of the mayoral elections in Chisinau

(2018/2783(RSP))

The European Parliament,

- Having regard to the EU-Republic of Moldova Association Agreement including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (AA/DCFTA), provisionally implemented since September 2014 and fully entered  into force on 1 July 2016,

- having regard to the EU-Republic of Moldova Association Agenda of 4 August 2017, identifying key priorities for the period 2017-2019,

- having regard to the Council conclusions on the Republic of Moldova, 26 February 2018,

 

- having regard to the Association Implementation Report on the Republic of Moldova, Joint Staff Working Document SWD (2018) 94 final, of 3 April 2018,

 

- having regard to the Statement by the HR/VP Mogherini and Commissioner Hahn on the invalidation of the mayoral elections in Chisinau of 27 June 2018,

 

- having regard to the Rule 135 of the Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the EU and Moldova undertook the joint commitment to advance their political association and economic integration, a process that implies the adoption and implementation of structural and other substantial reforms by the country,  in line with the provisions of the AA/DCFTA and the Association Agenda;

B. whereas, following considerable delays due to a political crisis back in 2015, the reform process has been resumed and, with the support of the EU, a number of important reforms have been carried out and the economic situation in the country has been stabilised;

C. whereas the Association Implementation Report on the Republic of Moldova recognised the progress achieved with the adoption of several legislative acts and reaffirmed that additional efforts are needed, including in the key priority areas of the rule of law, strengthening of the independence of the judiciary system and the law enforcement bodies, prevention and fighting corruption, as well as fraud and conflict of interests; whereas the overall objective of EU-Moldova cooperation is to bring positive change and tangible benefits for all Moldovan citizens;

 

D. whereas the second round of the early mayoral elections took place in Chisinau on 3 June 2018; whereas Andrei Nastase won with 52.7% of the vote and the defeated contestant, Ion Ceban, challenged this result in a Chisinau District Court clamming violations of Moldova’s Electoral Code; whereas on 19 June the Court declared void the results of the mayoral elections on the grounds that in reality both contestants have violated the Electoral Code by performing campaigning actions on the day of the vote; whereas, despite strong civic protests and expressions of concern by the international community, a few days later both the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Justice upheld this ruling;

 

E. whereas national and international observers did not report serious irregularities supporting the Court ruling;

 

F. whereas this unexpected development risks to derail the country’s adherence to European values and principles and it further undermines the already weak trust of the Moldovan citizens in the state institutions; whereas thousands of people are protesting in the streets of Chisinau;

G. whereas all major political parties have declared that the decision on the invalidation of elections created a dangerous precedent for future elections;

 

H. whereas Moldova’s political spectrum results extremely polarised in view of the forthcoming parliamentary elections with broad consequences, including with respect to the country’s European orientation;

 

1. Expresses deep concern over the undue interference of the judicial power in the electoral process and the invalidation of the Chisinau mayoral election results;

2. Stresses that elections are the foundation of any democracy and challenges against their outcome and campaigning procedures must be compatible with the principle of the rule of law, be transparent and proportioned, and comply with international norms and standards;

3. Underlines that denying elected mandates may be done only under the law and in line with agreed procedures; emphasises that such denial must ensure full transparency of the proceedings, may not be arbitrary or discriminatory and sanctions against successful candidates may not be taken in a summary or disproportionate manner; regrets the disrespect for the will of the voters and the overestimation of the impact of alleged violations on the overall election result;

4. Urges Moldovan authorities to guarantee the functioning of democratic mechanisms and to take appropriate measures so that the results of the Chisinau mayoral elections are respected; insists that both the executive and judicial branches of power have to mutually respect the separation of powers, fully endorse democratic principles, and obey to rule of law;

5. Calls on the Moldovan authorities to ensure that the upcoming parliamentary elections are managed in a free, transparent and fair manner and on all political parties and candidates to fully respect the electoral legislation in order to prevent similar incidents in the future;

6. Invites the international community and the EU to closely monitor and assess the smooth running of the future electoral processes in the country;

7. Strongly believes in the common interest of the EU and Moldova to strengthen their ties and warns against the destabilisation of the country that would damage the best interests of Moldovan citizens;

8. Urges the EU to continue to support the reinforcement of the rule of law, the effective fight against corruption, and a judicial reform that will strengthen the independence and integrity of judges and prosecutors;

9. Encourages all pro-European forces to put aside their differences and unite in the pursue of a better future for their country and all Moldovan citizens; sides with the people and fully supports their claim for true democracy and respect of their vote;

10. Calls on the EEAS and Commission to closely monitor the situation and keep the European Parliament dully informed;

11. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the President, the Government and the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova.