Constitutional Court rules new Government as unconstitutional. Shortly after Members of the Parliament of the Democratic Party notified the Constitutional Court (7-8 June 2019), President Igor Dodon’s decree regarding the appointment of Maia Sandu as Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova and his decree on the formation of the Government were declared unconstitutional. However, on 15 June 2019 the Constitutional Court revised and annulled all decisions taken between 7 and 9 June 2019

in relation to the unconstitutionality of the new Government. The new decision was justified by the need to maintain social cohesion, rule of law and democracy as well as to prevent further political instability.

Constitutional Court rules new Government as unconstitutional. Shortly after Members of the Parliament of the Democratic Party notified the Constitutional Court (7-8 June 2019), President Igor Dodon’s decree regarding the appointment of Maia Sandu as Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova and his decree on the formation of the Government were declared unconstitutional. However, on 15 June 2019 the Constitutional Court revised and annulled all decisions taken between 7 and 9 June 2019 in relation to the unconstitutionality of the new Government. The new decision was justified by the need to maintain social cohesion, rule of law and democracy as well as to prevent further political instability.

Democratic Party announces withdrawal from public institutions. The vice-President of the Democratic Party announced on 15 June 2019 that the party was withdrawing ministers and other staff from the Government and public institutions. He stressed the illegality of the new Government and called for a technical Government until early elections take place.

Deputy Head of the National Anti-Corruption Centre appointed as Head ad interim. Until the selection of a new head of the National Anti-Corruption Centre (NAC), the deputy head, Ms Lidia Chireoglo, will be leading the institution. This decision was taken by the Parliament on 18 June 2019, after the appointment of the previous head of NAC was revoked on 8 June 2019. A decision detailing the legal procedure followed has been issued.

President of the Constitutional Court resigns. On 20 June 2019, the Constitutional Court published on its website the announcement about the resignation of the President. No reasoning was stated, however the new government has been vocal about the need for the judges of the CC to resign.

The Venice Commission found that the dissolution of the Parliament in the Republic of Moldova did not meet the required conditions. In its opinion issued on 24 June 2019, the Venice Commission considered that the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Moldova did not respect its own procedures or the principle of equality of the parties when dealing with the recent country’s political crisis. The Commission also recalled that an essential role of the Constitutional Court is to maintain equal distance from all branches of power and to act as an impartial arbiter in case of collision between them, whilst respecting the solutions reached by democratically legitimate institutions.

The newly appointed Government of the Republic of Moldova published its activity programme for 2019. Among integrity and anti-corruption reforms the activity programme includes the creation of the National Anti-corruption Department and the Anti-Corruption Special Court, which will include prosecutors and judges from other countries and examine exclusively the cases of high corruption. The programme also mentions reforming the selection and promotion process of magistrates (judges and prosecutors) based on criteria of meritocracy and integrity.

Judges of the Constitutional Court in Moldova resigned. All the judges of the Moldovan Constitutional Court resigned in corpore after being accused by the new government of repeatedly ruling in favour of the former governing party. Termination of office and vacancy of judges of the Constitutional Court in Moldova will be announced to the competent authorities to appoint new judges.

Prosecutors seek arrest warrant for Ilan Shor. Acting chief prosecutor of the Anti-corruption Prosecutor’s Office mentioned that an arrest warrant was requested for MP Ilan Shor, convicted by a decision of the first instance court for being involved in the Moldovan bank fraud. Prosecutors also seized several properties belonging to Mr Shor.

Chief Prosecutor of the Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Organized Crime and Special Causes resigned. On 27 June 2019, Mr Nicolae Chitoroaga submitted his resignation giving as a reason the pressure to which both he and the office have been subjected.

Chief Anti-Corruption Prosecutor resigns. The press officer of the General Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the resignation rendered by Viorel Morari, Chief Anti-Corruption Prosecutor. No reasons have been given until now.