Moldovan farmers protest drought crisis in Moldova
A bill imposing a moratorium on debt payments for farmers affected by this year's severe drought was passed in its first reading on Thursday, December 19th, as farmers protested outside the parliament building.
The moratorium will remain in effect until October 31, 2025. The bill also revises eligibility criteria for farmer debtors. Farmers whose crops were damaged by at least 40% on 40% of their land will qualify for protective measures. Additionally, farmers managing up to 1,800 hectares will also be eligible.
The law also extends the deadline for farmers to notify creditors about crop damage and invoke debt payment suspension to February 28, 2025.
PAS deputy Viorel Barda, the bill's author, faced a hostile reception from protesting farmers when he attempted to explain the newly passed law.
Amidst the farmers' protests, opposition lawmakers today called for a parliamentary hearing of Prime Minister Dorin Recean. According to Inga Sibova, a deputy from the Bloc of Communists and Socialists, the Prime Minister should explain the emergency measures taken by the government to support farmers, teachers, and other affected groups.
The opposition's initiative was rejected by the parliamentary majority. Earlier this week, farmers held discussions with the Minister of Agriculture but expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome. They announced plans to cease protests and instead demand direct talks with government representatives. In addition to the drought law, farmers are also calling for an extension of grain and oilseed import licensing until December 31, 2025, and the payment of outstanding subsidy debts from the previous year.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
