Moldova Protesters Demand Action Against Gas Price Hike

Protesters gathered in front of the Legislative Assembly in Moldova to demonstrate against the increase in natural gas tariffs, which is set to rise by up to 20.3 lei/square meters with VAT. The opposition parties accused the government of mismanaging the energy sector and demanded measures to mitigate the impact on citizens.

According to Igor Grosu, Parliament Speaker, it's a democratic right for the opposition to protest, but they should also come up with proposals on how to restructure Moldovagaz. The current tariff no longer covers the real costs of purchasing natural gas, stated Constantine Borosan, director of ANRE.

The protesters demanded measures such as transparency in the gas and electricity procurement process, demonopolizing the natural gas market, waiving VAT increase for natural gas and electricity, capping management salaries at state-owned energy companies, and the resignation of the Minister of Energy. These demands were submitted by opposition deputies after public hearings held in Parliament.