Moldovan Parliament Proposes to Mute Microphones for Speeches Delivered in non-Romanian Languages

Provisions in the draft of the new Code on the Organization and Functioning of Parliament concerning the use of the Romanian language sparked controversy at a meeting of the Committee on National Security, Defense and Public Order. Under the new rules, MPs will be permitted to use only the Romanian language during the legislative process. In the event of a breach, the chair will first issue a warning, and if the MP continues to speak in another language, their microphone may be switched off, reports agora.md The committee’s draft was presented by PAS MP Igor Talmazan. “Following the adoption of the new code, as the language of use will be Romanian, all parliamentary discussions relating to the legislative process will be conducted in Romanian. If a question is asked in Russian, the chair of the session must issue a warning that, in accordance with Article 15 of the draft code, the language to be used is Romanian. After the first warning, the microphone is to be switched off,” stated Igor Talmazan. However, addresses to a specific ethnic group, citizens or special guests may be delivered in other languages. The deputy chair of the committee, Renato Usatii, a member of‘Our Party, described such provisions as excessive and expressed doubt as to their necessity. “I agree that anyone in the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova must speak the official language. That’s it. But who has banned asking questions in another language?” said Usatii. In his view, such restrictions could undermine freedom of expression in parliament. In response, Talmazan noted that the authorities face difficulties in translating documents into Russian. He also referred to a ruling by the Constitutional Court, according to which the use of the Russian language must not place other languages spoken in Moldova at a disadvantage. “The language of inter-ethnic communication is the language of the majority; the official language is Romanian,” the MP emphasized. The new code also provides for measures against political migration, restricting speeches in the plenary chamber to the topic under discussion, reducing the time allowed for statements, and introducing new mechanisms – Government Hour and Opposition Day.