Igor Dodon, leader of the Socialists, claims that the ruling PAS party intends to “introduce censorship in Parliament”, TRIBUNA reports.

According to Dodon, the Legal, Appointments and Immunities Committee held public hearings on draft law No. 448 of December 6, 2023, titled “On the Status, Conduct and Ethics of Members of Parliament.” He argues that the proposed legislation could restrict the fundamental rights of MPs and be used as a tool against the opposition.

Dodon stated that the draft introduces a ban on blocking the rostrum and microphones, sanctions for “disrupting order,” and penalties for actions that the authorities may deem inappropriate. He also pointed to provisions concerning oversight of MPs’ travel, speeches, and even the formulation of personal positions, as well as sanctions for absences considered unjustified, including the loss of access to official transport. The document also expands measures related to the use of public property. Dodon highlighted that the requirement for MPs to maintain “decent behavior” is vague and could be applied to any inconvenient parliamentarian.

The politician expressed particular concern about what he described as expanded grounds for revoking a parliamentary mandate. He argued that some provisions exceed constitutional limits, including the possibility of revocation on medical grounds or following the confiscation of assets deemed unjustified.

“In these conditions, any MP who does not conform to the ‘behavior’ or ‘standards’ imposed by the authorities risks losing their mandate and their voice in Parliament,” Dodon said, calling the initiative unacceptable in a democratic state. He accused the authorities of attempting to legitimize pressure on the opposition under the guise of “ethics.”

“Parliament is a space for open debate, not political repression. Down with censorship,” the Socialist leader concluded.