Moldova: EU expresses full support to President Maia Sandu in view of Parliament action against Constitutional Court

EU has stressed that the independence of the Moldovan Constitutional Court is vital to ensure the rule of law and democratic mechanisms, following a parliamentary vote against the court.

On Friday, the Members of Parliament from the Party of the Socialists, the Shor Party and the For Moldova group voted no confidence in three Constitutional Court judges, declared the appointment of Constitutional Court judge Domnica Manole two years ago invalid, and did not recognise the Constitutional Court’s decision of 15 April 2021 regarding the conditions for dissolution of Parliament.

Reacting to this vote, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the High Representative, Josep Borrell, have condemned this decision and expressed their support for the reform agenda of President Maia Sandu.

“Under the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, the Constitutional Court is independent of any other public authority and shall abide only by the Constitution. Parliament and the executive power must, therefore, respect the role of the Constitutional Court as the ‘gatekeeper of the Constitution’, even when they are dissatisfied with its decisions,” said Borrell. “Friday’s votes and declarations, therefore, constitute a blatant attack on the constitutional order of the Republic of Moldova and are an attempt to undermine the rule of law”.

“Solutions to political differences must be found within the framework of Moldovan Constitution,” said Ursula von der Leyen in her personal exchange with Maia Sandu.

Charles Michel also called on all political actors to fully respect the Constitution and the Rule of Law.

Find out more

Press release