Protesters enter Moldova Parliament building after pro-EU govt approved

Protesters have entered Moldova's parliament building, shortly after lawmakers voted in a new pro-EU government, according to Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).


Live footage showed demonstrators, some waving Moldovan flags just inside the building's entrance as darkness fell. They were blocked from gaining further access by riot police, RFE/RL reported.

Before and during the vote, hundreds of protesters calling for early elections had faced off with riot police outside the building.

The new cabinet approved by legislators is led by Pavel Filip, 49, a deputy chairman of the ruling Democratic Party who has served as minister of telecommunications in several governments since 2011.

Fifty-seven out of the 101 deputies – more than needed – voted in favor of the new cabinet in an attempt to bring a three-month-old political crisis to an end. After the previous government led by Valeriu Stretlet was ousted in October amid a banking scandal, two attempts to name a new prime minister had failed.

The third try was held amid protests by the pro-Russian opposition Socialists, who attempted to postpone the vote and heckled lawmakers during the parliament session.

Several opposition lawmakers briefly interrupted the proceedings, displaying banners demanding "early elections."

According to opinion polls, snap elections could be won by pro-Russian parties that want to renegotiate Moldova's Association Agreement with the EU and develop stronger ties with Moscow.
[www.unian.info]
20/1/16
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