The Council of Europe -- a continental body that promotes the rule of law and democracy -- has expressed its concerns over recent amendments to Moldova's major laws.
The council's secretary-general, Thorbjorn Jagland, said the amendments adopted by the parliament are in contradiction with Moldova's constitution and European standards on constitutional justice.
Jagland said "the credibility of Moldova's European path is at stake."
Jagland expressed particular concern over a law passed on May 3 that gives parliament powers to sack constitutional judges and change election rules.
Another bill requires political parties to get at least 6 percent of the vote to get into parliament -- up from the previous 4 percent.
Parliament also voted to boost the powers of the interim government and its head, allowing him to sack ministers and other senior officials.
The council's secretary-general, Thorbjorn Jagland, said the amendments adopted by the parliament are in contradiction with Moldova's constitution and European standards on constitutional justice.
Jagland said "the credibility of Moldova's European path is at stake."
Jagland expressed particular concern over a law passed on May 3 that gives parliament powers to sack constitutional judges and change election rules.
Another bill requires political parties to get at least 6 percent of the vote to get into parliament -- up from the previous 4 percent.
Parliament also voted to boost the powers of the interim government and its head, allowing him to sack ministers and other senior officials.