Moldovan government to ask parliament to declare state of emergency in energy, hydrological sectors; PM: “We cannot afford to wait for a crisis to emerge”

The government will go to parliament to request the declaration of a state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors, amid risks to energy supplies and the alarming decline in the flow of the Dniester River. Prime Minister Vasile Tofan has made statements to this effect after a meeting of the National Security Council.

“Today, at the National Security Council, we discussed the energy and hydrological risks we are facing. Moldova depends on imports for natural gas and petroleum products, while a large share of its electricity also comes from abroad. In a difficult international context, in which energy prices are rising due to conflicts in the Middle East, supply routes are vulnerable and the water flow of the Dniester has reached an alarming level, we cannot afford to wait for a crisis to emerge before we start looking for solutions,” the prime minister said.

Vasile Tofan explained that declaring a state of emergency would provide the state with the legal means to intervene quickly, if the situation worsens. The PM stressed that the government would be prepared to ensure that the population and the economy have the resources they need during the cold season.

“We will go to parliament to request the declaration of a state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors. The state must have the legal means to act quickly, if the situation becomes more complicated. This gives the government the necessary tools to intervene at the first sign of need and only where necessary. The government will be prepared to ensure that the economy and citizens have water, electricity and heat, while vulnerable households receive the assistance they need,” the prime minister noted.

The authorities will examine the need to declare a state of emergency in the energy and hydrological sectors, amid risks concerning the supply of resources for the cold season. The issue was discussed at a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC). At a news conference held after the NSC meeting, President Maia Sandu said that the government must be prepared to act quickly in the event of unforeseen situations, including a reduction in the Dniester’s flow or an increase in fuel prices.