New diplomatic rules: Acting ambassadors will receive the same allowances
Diplomats who are appointed as chargés d'affaires ad interim will receive an allowance equal to that of the head of the diplomatic mission they temporarily oversee. This measure has been approved by the Government and applies to situations in which a diplomat assumes leadership of an embassy or other representation of the Republic of Moldova abroad until a new head of mission is appointed.
The amendment was adopted during the Executive meeting on July 15, which revised the regulations governing the administrative and financial activities of the Republic of Moldova's diplomatic service institutions abroad.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), when the head of a diplomatic mission is recalled—either at the end of their mandate or for other reasons—the mission is temporarily managed by a diplomatic agent appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This appointee serves with the status of chargé d'affaires ad interim.
Previously, these diplomats assumed the responsibilities of the management position but did not receive the allowance typically associated with the head of the diplomatic mission.
"This situation creates an imbalance between the level of responsibilities taken on and the compensation received, while also leading to uncertainties in the consistent application of regulations regarding the status of personnel in diplomatic missions and consular offices," states the explanatory note for the project.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes the approved amendments will eliminate discrepancies in the treatment of diplomats temporarily serving as head of a diplomatic mission. Furthermore, these changes will ensure consistent application of the regulations governing diplomatic service personnel. Importantly, the decision will not incur additional financial expenses, as the allowance will only be granted during the period the diplomat temporarily performs the head of mission duties.
The diplomatic network of the Republic of Moldova comprises numerous missions and consular offices worldwide.
