CHISINAU, January 11. /TASS/. A split has occurred in the parliamentary faction of the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova, which hindered the approval of a new government, a group of seven lawmakers who expressed its support for the parliamentary majority formed around the Democratic Party of Moldova said on Monday.
"Opinions within the Liberal Democratic Party are divided. One group supports the scenario of possible snap elections, and the other believes that the party must take part in forming a new parliamentary majority," the declaration said.
Its authors note that Moldova is living through an unprecedented crisis. "The decline in the financial and banking sector has grown into a political and social crisis, which is threatening the country with catastrophic consequences," the parliamentarians noted. They believe that in this situation the interests of the country and not those of the political parties should be a priority.
The split took place against the backdrop of the mass opposition protests and the political crisis in Moldova, where the government of Valeriu Strelet was dismissed on October 29, and lawmakers have been unable to come to an agreement on forming a new parliamentary majority and the Cabinet.
In December, there was a split in the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova, with 21 lawmakers quitting its faction. The announced the creation of a coalition with the Democratic Party of Moldova, which controls 19 seats. The Liberal Party with 13 members also expressed support for the new alliance. Together they can form a new majority of 55 lawmakers in the 101-seat parliament, which will make it possible for them to endorse their candidate as prime minister.
Currently, the leaders of the parliamentary factions discuss with Moldova’s President Nicolae Timofti the candidate for prime minister who is to be nominated by the head of state.
Former Prime Minister Valeriu Strelet was dismissed on October 29 against the backdrop of the collapse of the ruling Alliance for the European Integration coalition that was formed by the Liberal Democratic Party, the Democratic Party and the Liberal Party following the November 2014 parliamentary elections. The split occurred after leader of the Liberal Democratic Party Vlad Filat was arrested on corruption charges.
According to the Constitution, the head of state should appoint a new candidate for the position of prime minister after consultations with parliamentarians. The president has the right to dissolve the legislature, if lawmakers do not give the cabinet a vote of confidence within a designated period of time, which expires on January 29. The president’s first attempt to nominate Ion Sturza to occupy the position of prime minister has failed.