Moldovan parliament changes rules of work: new provisions for MPs, parliamentary factions

The parliament’s activity will be guided by new rules, which have been included in the new Code on the organization and work of the institution. The MPs today The approved the draft in the second reading, with 52 votes. Its purpose is to make parliamentary activity more efficient and to align it with European standards regarding the legislative process.

One of the main provisions concerns changes aimed at preventing political party-switching. Thus, the political configuration resulting from parliamentary elections may not be altered, which means that unaffiliated MPs who leave a faction will not be able to join another faction. At the same time, parliamentary factions of political parties that did not gain access to parliament following the elections, as well as those that are banned or declared unconstitutional may not be established.

The document also introduces new mechanisms for parliamentary debate. During ordinary meetings, a “Government Hour” will be organized, a day dedicated to political debates with the participation of ministers or the prime minister. It will take place at the request of parliamentary factions, at least once a month.

An “Opposition Day” will also be introduced. Thus, for the first plenary meeting in every sixth week of the parliamentary session, the Standing Bureau will place on the agenda the topics proposed by opposition parliamentary factions, by independent MPs and by lawmakers from the opposition.

The draft regulates the process of organizing debates on the items included on the agenda as well. The debate framework will be set by the Standing Bureau, depending on the complexity of the topics. In addition, the Standing Bureau will decide, in agreement with the leaders of parliamentary factions and of standing committees, the time at which voting will take place.

Another provision concerns the procedure for taking the floor at plenary meetings. Speaking time will not exceed 5 minutes for factions and 3 minutes for individual MPs. In the case of statements on issues that are not on the agenda, the time allocated to factions will be 7 minutes and to MPs - 5 minutes. The allotted time may be extended by a vote of the majority of elected lawmakers

The draft Code on the organization and work of the parliament further stipulates that the working language in the legislature is Romanian.

At the parliament meeting, MP Igor Talmazan said that the draft had been subject to consultations and that the opinion of the Venice Commission was requested on it. He also emphasized that the draft is to be examined by parliament in a third reading as well.