VIDEO // Moldovan parliament speaker comments on opposition's criticism of new Parliament Code

The draft Parliament Code has been sufficiently discussed before registration and the opposition’s criticism is not substantiated. We understand very well that the discontent stems from the fact that the document addresses the issue of political party switching quite seriously. Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu today made statements to this effect before the parliament meeting.

The official stressed that the document was to be sent to the Venice Commission for expert review.

“I have not seen any concrete argument about what they don’t like in the new code. There had been sufficient discussions before the draft was registered. We registered it, we will translate it into English and send it to the Venice Commission for expert review. We will follow all steps of the parliamentary procedure. What they don’t like, as we intuit, is the fact that the document addresses the issue of political party switching very seriously. This is what bothers them, if we look at the political trajectories many of them have had in politics,” Igor Grosu said.

The speaker also referred to the provision on setting a specific voting hour during parliament meetings.

“There is such a practice in Romania. There is also the Government Hour, according to the British model, when ministers come and answer questions. I recommend that these MPs study the practices of parliaments of European Union countries. I have asked colleagues from the Venice Commission to carry out a comparative study on how discussions take place, in particular the debates on motions. We will conduct a comparative study and choose the best way. Another element is the meeting dedicated to the opposition’s draft bills. This does not mean that the opposition’s draft bills cannot be included on the agenda of other meetings. I assure you that no one is violating their freedom of expression,” Igor Grosu said.

A draft law amending the Parliament Code was registered in the legislature earlier this week. The document aims to update both the rules governing the activity of the parliamentary institution and aspects related to the ethics and status of MPs.

One of the main goals is to prevent political party switching. Thus, lawmakers who leave a parliamentary faction will be able to act only as unaffiliated members, and the formation of a new faction will be allowed only on the basis of the same political party.

The Code also provides for the introduction of the Government Hour, which implies inviting a minister to parliament at least once a month to answer MPs’ questions. In addition, an Opposition Day is regulated, which will give the opposition the opportunity to present its legislative initiatives and take part in dedicated debates.

Another new element is the establishment of an exact voting hour, in order to ensure better organization and facilitate the monitoring of the process by citizens.

The draft has already undergone public consultations and some of the proposals have been included in the current version. The authorities announce that discussions will continue, including after the official registration of the draft, in order to reach a final version that is as balanced as possible.