Prime Minister Calls EU Lawmakers' Report On Democracy In Moldova Politically Motivated

CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) Moldovan Prime Minister Pavel Filip characterized the recent report endorsed by the European Parliament, which criticizes the high levels of corruption, lack of independent judiciary and deterioration of democratic standards in the Eastern European country, as a politically motivated document.

The report, dedicated to the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Moldova, was adopted on Wednesday.

"I believe that this document is absolutely politically motivated because such resolutions have not been adopted in relation to other countries, especially ahead of the election campaign. I believe that this document supports the opposition in Chisinau," Filip told the Pro tv broadcaster on Thursday.

The report, particularly, outlined the European parliamentarians' concern over Moldova being "captured by oligarchic interests" and the power in the country being concentrated in the hands of a small group of people exerting their influence on the authorities.

"I do not believe that Moldova is a captured state. Our government institutions have not been captured but there is some concentration of power," Filip argued.

The European Parliament has repeatedly criticized Moldova over the deterioration of democratic standards in the country.

In July, Brussels froze the first tranche of financial aid to Chisinau after the disputed mayoral election in the Moldovan capital.

In their most recent report, the European lawmakers called for the aid not to be disbursed until after the Moldovan 2019 parliamentary elections, noting that they should be carried out in line with international standards.

The EU-Moldova association deal with its free trade area came into force on July 1, 2016.