December 3 (SeeNews) - Thousands of Moldovans rallied on Thursday against a bill that strips pro-European president elect Maia Sandu of control over the country's intelligence service, SIS.
Over 5,000 people are currently protesting in the capital Chisinau against the bill, according to information posted on the social media page of Maia Sandu's pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS).
Earlier on Thursday, 51 MPs of the 101-seat parliament voted in favour of the bill, video files posted on the parliament's website showed.
The move comes just weeks before Sandu, the winner of the presidential elections held on November 15, assumes office.
The MPs who backed the bill are mostly from the informal ruling coalition of Moldova's Socialist Party (PSRM) and Sor Party, according to local media.
In a televised statement on Wednesday evening, Sandu said that without control over SIS, the president will not have the necessary levers to investigate high-level corruption cases and called on Moldovans to protest against the bill.
"This legislative project put forth by the PSRM-Sor majority to take away the president's control over SIS is an anti-democratic abuse planned by the person who lost elections and the people's trust," Sandu said.
On November 15, Sandu won 57.75% of the votes in Moldova's presidential election run-off, while incumbent Socialist president Igor Dodon received 42.25%.
The Information and Security Service of the Republic of Moldova is the principal intelligence agency of Moldova which mainly conducts intelligence and law enforcement activities, according to its website.
PSRM holds 37 of all 101 seats in Moldova's parliament, while Sor Party, led by businessman Ilan Sor controls 9. The two parties have an informal coalition and are currently negotiating for an official one, according to local media.
PAS holds 15 seats, while pro-EU Dignity and Truth Party (PDPDA) holds 11 seats. Democrat Party of Moldova holds 11 seats, Pro-Moldova holds 3 seats, while the remaining 15 mandates are held by independents.