Moldova to be able to have ambassadors abroad based in Chisinau

Moldova will be able to have ambassadors based in Chisinau, without the need of establishing a separate mission abroad. The parliament has approved, in the second reading, amendments to the Law on Diplomatic Service. The document was voted by 55 MPs.

According to calculations, this would generate monthly savings of 4,000 euros, at the expense of the allowance for the head of the mission residing in the state of residence. At the same time, expenses of about 10,000 euros per month might be avoided for maintaining a building in the mission.

The draft was developed by lawmakers of Action and Solidarity Party’s (PAS) faction Doina Gherman, Ion Groza, Vitalie Jacot, Alina Dandara and Ina Coseru. The document aims to streamline the diplomatic service and improve its work, as well as modernize the system.

The draft clearly sets the goal of the diplomatic service to coordinate the policy of international cooperation for development and humanitarian assistance, as well as to provide state institutions with support in protocol and international courtesy.

Additionally, authors proposed the possibility of opening offices that are part of a certain mission in other localities than those where the mission is established. This will lead to a cut in monthly expenses for building’s maintenance, as well as the difference in salary and allowance between the resident ambassador and the head of the office by about 5,000 euros.

Also, savings may include reducing the price of the fleet of vehicles or a smaller number of members, depending on needs and the host country.

The document also contains provisions concerning the inclusion in the list of diplomatic positions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the institution's deputy secretary-general, the conditions of employment in a diplomatic position, clear terms of appointment/recall of ambassadors and general consuls, the activity of diplomats, etc.

The document contains stricter restrictions on the exemption from paying import duties for a single means of transport for each family upon returning from the mission. At the same time, the staff of diplomatic missions and consular offices will not be allowed to participate as a candidate, representative, observer, candidate’s trusted person, treasurer, or member of the initiative group for collecting signatures in election campaigns.

The legislative amendments will enter into force upon publication in the Official Journal (Monitorul Oficial).