Early Parliamentary elections in North Macedonia could be postponed

The President of North Macedonia Stevo Pendarovski convened a Security Council sitting. Because of the coronavirus crisis this country’s head of state calls on the political leaders to support the postponement of the early Parliamentary elections. The State Electoral Commission also called for the postponement of the voting schedules for April 12.

Romania’s Ludovic Orban forms new cabinet from self-quarantine

Romania’s Premier Ludovic Orban won a Parliamentary vote of confidence after this country closed border crossing as part of the response to the coronavirus outbreak. The COVID-19 crisis ended the political disputes in this country which lasted for more than a month after the former cabinet headed by Ludovic Orban lost a no-confidence motion in Parliament. Several days ago interim Premier Orban and his ministers decided to self-quarantine themselves after an MP tested positive for the new COVID-19. Premier Orban sent his programme speech via email and the MPs voted in small groups. The Romanian authorities are facing a big challenge, because over 1 million Romanian citizens living in Italy may return to their home country for Easter.

Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral of the Serbian Orthodox Church suspends temporarily protest processions

Montenegro’s government welcomed the new decision of the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral of the Serbian Orthodox Church in this country. In order to protect the health of the citizens the Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral has temporarily suspended the protest procession over the adoption of Montenegro’s Freedom and Religion Law. No cases of the new coronavirus have been registered in this country yet, but the authorities in Podgorica decided to ban public gatherings to prevent possible outbreak of COVID-19. Montenegro’s cabinet remains engaged in church dialogue and voiced confidence that decisions which benefit all citizens can be found through legal arguments and facts. The Metropolitanate of Montenegro and the Littoral of the Serbian Orthodox Church voices its discontent that under the new legislation some of their churches and monasteries will be returned to the Montenegro Church.

Serbia declares state of emergency

Serbia has declared a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak and closed its borders for foreign nationals. All schools and universities in this country have been also closed. Distance learning will be introduced and school lessons will be broadcast on the TV. Hospitals providing treatment to patients diagnosed with COVID-19 will be guarded by the armed forces. People who violate the quarantine measures could be sentenced to 3 years in prison. Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic called on the people aged 65 or above to stay at home. If the latest measures prove unsuccessful, the authorities are ready to impose new restrictions within 72 hours. Serbia also introduces marginal prices for staple foods, protective clothing and cleaning detergents. All indoor events are banned.

Kosovo closes border crossings

The cabinet of Kosovo decided to close border crossings and the schools over the coronavirus crisis. All public, cultural and sport events are also cancelled as part of the measures against the spread of COVID-19. Kosovo declared state of emergency at the proposal of this country’s Minister of Health after 9 people were diagnosed with the new coronavirus.

Written by: Ivo Ivanov

English version: Kostadin Atanasov