In a commentary for Noi.md, Alexandru Flenchea pointed out that while these modifications were necessary sooner or later, the issue lies in how the authorities in Chisinau handled the situation. According to him, the discussion that took place yesterday in Tiraspol between Oleg Serebrian and Vitalii Ignatiev should have happened several months ago, and the tax issue should have been discussed directly with the economic agents on the left bank of the Dniester River. This, he believes, could have prevented the current crisis.
“I believe that the authorities in Chisinau, to stop the propaganda campaign we are witnessing in Tiraspol, should have, first of all, spoken with the economic agents and legal entities of the Republic of Moldova on the left bank of the Dniester exactly in the way they informed the economic agents on the right bank. The authorities conducted an information campaign, explaining the main provisions, the conditions that would apply from January 1, 2024, a process that did not happen in relation to the companies on the left bank of the Dniester. Not that it would have prevented opposition from the Tiraspol administration, but the issue would have been exhausted by January 1, 2024, the moment the provisions of the new Customs Code came into effect, and we wouldn’t have gone through this crisis today,” explained Flenchea.
The former Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration further stated that the legislative changes causing controversy were adopted two years ago by the Parliament, and the authorities are now settling accumulated debts.
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“Obviously, we are talking about legislative decisions, an organic law, the Customs Code, a law approved by Parliament two years ago, something that cannot be changed and should not be changed. However, what is happening now is likely the authorities settling the accumulated debts from last year. Again – the problem is in how this situation was discussed, the lack of communication with the companies on the left bank of the Dniester, but it seems also a communication deficit internally here in Chisinau, between different state institutions,” added Flenchea.
It is worth noting that starting from January 1, 2024, with the enforcement of the new Customs Code of the Republic of Moldova, all economic agents in the Transnistria region will pay customs duties based on general principles to ensure equality for all business representatives in Moldova. Tiraspol has considered this as a new form of economic pressure on Transnistrian entrepreneurs engaged in external economic activity, stating that this will lead to significant losses and an increase in prices for citizens. The decision is not viewed favorably by experts, with economist Galina Șelari stating that the new provisions will have a negative impact on the entire Moldovan economy, urging the parties to find a reasonable compromise before negative consequences arise.