Moldovan Interior Ministry clears up provisions of new gun control law: no privileges for officials

The Interior Ministry (MAI) informs that the draft of the new gun control law will not include exceptions for officials, despite incorrect information circulating in the public space. All applicants for a gun permit, whether they are ordinary citizens or officials (ministers, deputies, mayors, councilors), will be subjected to the same legal requirements: medical evaluation, psychological test and mandatory training courses.

According to MAI, the idea of privileges has been excluded from the text of the law, which is currently undergoing the approval process.

The draft also includes a string of new measures to strengthen public safety: prohibitions for individuals from the Transnistrian region or involved in unconstitutional structures; restrictions for foreign citizens legally residing to purchase non-lethal weapons; introduction of the European firearms passport, in accordance with EU standards; the obligation for shooting ranges to collect and destroy fired shells; new terms and clarifications in the legislation.

The MAI calls on citizens, experts, organizations and political representatives to actively participate in the public consultation process and to avoid spreading unofficial information.

"No one is more special than public safety," the ministry's statement reads.

At the same time, the lawmakers from the parliamentary majority have publicly expressed their opposition to any form of favoritism towards officials regarding the arms regime.