The Moldovan constitutional court temporarily suspended the powers of President Igor Dodon on Tuesday following his refusal to approve the appointment of several pro-Europe ministers. Dodon, a figurehead leader who backs closer ties with Russia, repeatedly refused at the end of December to appoint five ministers and two deputy ministers put forward by his pro-EU Prime Minister Pavel Filip.
However, the court said "the president has the right to refuse to approve the candidacy of a member of the government just one time" as it announced the "temporary suspension" of his powers. The appointment of the seven ministers will be made on January 5 by the prime minister or the speaker of parliament Andrian Candu, the court said.
Dodon hit back in a Facebook post, calling the decision a "serious violation of judicial procedures", accusing the constitutional court of entering "the grey zone of democracy". "It is a dishonourable and regrettable fall from grace for a democratic state," he added, promising "not to give in".
Moldova, a former Soviet republic, is divided between supporters of closer links to Moscow and those who want integration into the European Union, which includes members of the current government.