Ombudsman to benefit from more guarantees in Moldova

Chisinau, 1 December /MOLDPRES/ - The Ombudsman will benefit from more guarantees, according to legislative amendments adopted by the parliament today.  

The MPs voted for providing immunity to the Ombudsman. Thus, he/she will not be able to be detained, arrested or searched without the agreement of the parliament and the deputies – without the preliminary informing of the legislative body. Nevertheless, in case of glaring offence, the parliament’s agreement is not needed. At the same time, the powers of the Ombudsman were extended. He/she will consider  applications submitted by legal entities too.     

Also, the lawmakers changed the procedure of selection, appointment and dismissal from office of the Ombudsman. Thus, all candidates who passed the contest held by the legislative body will be put forward in parliament’s plenum, not only two persons, just as it has occurred so far. Also, the dismissal of the Ombudsman will be possible only after his/her hearing in parliament.

In Moldova, the work of the institution of ombudsman is represented by the activity of the Ombudsman with general competences and Ombudsman for the rights of the child.  

The draft law was passed by 56 MPs in the second reading and is contained in the national action plan for the implementation of the Moldova – European Union Association Agreement.