EU has not made a decision regarding the participation of the ambassadors of the EU countries in the investiture ceremony of Vladimir Putin
The European Union has not yet made a decision on the participation of EU ambassadors in the inauguration ceremony of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which will take place on May 7, but the head of the EU diplomatic service, Josep Borrell, has spoken against it. The statement was made on Monday, May 6, by the spokesperson of the external service of the community, Peter Stano, during a briefing in Brussels.
"I can confirm that the invitation to the investiture ceremony sent by the Kremlin has been received by the EU countries and the EU mission in Moscow. We are currently discussing with Member States our response. We always try to have a coordinated EU approach where possible in foreign policy. The final decision has not been taken yet, but I can share with you that the High Representative, Josep Borrell, has spoken out against the EU's participation in this event in Moscow," Stano said.
Germany, the Czech Republic and the Baltic states have announced they will boycott Putin's inauguration. We note that the Czech Republic and the three Baltic States do not have ambassadors in Moscow, and Germany today recalled its ambassador for consultations, following the cyber attack on the mailboxes of members of the ruling party.
The European Union did not recognize the results of the presidential elections in Russia, which took place between March 15-17 this year. According to the data of the Central Electoral Commission, after processing 100% of the minutes, Vladimir Putin obtained 87.28% of the votes. The elections recorded a record turnout in the modern history of Russia - 77.44%.
The Republic of Moldova did not recognize this election either. President Maia Sandu mentioned in a press conference that the elections in Russia were not free and fair, reports Știri.md with reference to realitatea.md. Moreover, Maia Sandu condemned the organization of elections by Russia on the left of the Nistru, without the consent of Chisinau. "It cannot be about free and fair elections when the real opponents are removed from the race, some are even put in prison, others are driven out of the country, when the repression is so great that people are afraid to speak, to say, when there is nothing left of the free media. This is not democracy and this, above all, is not what we want to build here", said Maia Sandu.
The investiture ceremony of Vladimir Putin will take place on May 7, at 12:00 Moscow time. On May 7, according to the Constitution, the Cabinet of Ministers will resign before the head of state takes over the new mandate.
