Parliament has adopted, in final reading, amendments to the Law on Diplomatic Service that will allow Moldova to appoint ambassadors based in Chisinau, without establishing diplomatic missions abroad, IPN reports. Lawmakers expect this move to save the state several thousand euros each month.
By avoiding the need to pay €4,000 per month in residence allowances and €10,000 per month to maintain mission buildings, the government anticipates significant budgetary relief.
A group of PAS MPs drafted the amendments. They also proposed opening mission-affiliated offices in different locations than the main mission, where appropriate. Additional cost-cutting measures include reducing the number of mission staff or diplomatic vehicles, depending on the country and specific needs.
The new law also introduces stricter regulations:
- Upon returning from mission, diplomats will no longer benefit from broad exemptions on importing vehicles—each family will be allowed to bring in only one.
- Diplomatic and consular staff will be prohibited from participating as candidates or in any other capacity in election campaigns.
The amendments will enter into force upon their publication in the Official Journal.