Moldova: Central Bank chief's appointment triggers treason claims
Moldova's political landscape erupted following the recent appointment of Anca Dragu, a Romanian citizen, as the governor of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM).
The Communist and Socialist Bloc (CBS), the main opposition entity, filed a criminal complaint with the General Prosecutor's Office (GPO) alleging treason by the country's leadership.
CBS Cites Constitutional Violation:
The CBS contends that Dragu's appointment contravenes the Moldovan Constitution, which mandates NBM governors to be Moldovan citizens. Vlad Batrîncea, Vice-Speaker of Parliament and CBS member, emphasized this stance, stating: "This is an illegal decision to appoint a foreign person to the governorship of the National Bank, exceeding the Constitution's jurisdiction."
Former Presidents Echo Claims:
The complaint, signed by ex-presidents Vladimir Voronin and Igor Dodon, seeks criminal prosecution of those involved in the appointment.
Government Rejects Accusations:
The ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) vehemently refuted the CBS's accusations, asserting that Dragu's appointment adhered to legal procedures. Vasile Grădinaru, a PAS deputy and member of the parliamentary commission for appointments, countered: "They [CBS] misinterpret the treason provision. They should read it carefully... This is merely a cheap attempt to discredit a highly qualified candidate for the NBM governorship."
Transparency Underlined:
Grădinaru further underlined that Dragu's file met all legal requirements and secured necessary approvals from relevant institutions. He stated: "The file fully complies with the law and has received all necessary approvals. No irregularities, as alleged by the CBS, have been identified."
Legal Battle Looms:
The CBS's lawsuit challenging Dragu's appointment sets the stage for a potentially prolonged legal battle. The court's ruling could significantly impact Moldova's political climate and its relations with Romania.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
