Increasing signs of power struggle emerge in Transnistria

A few days ago, on November 18, the Transnistrian legislature (called the Supreme Soviet) unanimously rejected an attempt by the separatist region's President Igor Smirnov to call a referendum for the creation of a new local Constitution.

The Constitution would have strengthened Mr. Smirnov's positions in the breakaway region by mentioning nothing about term-limits for heads of state and by creating a bicameral legislature whose upper house would in essence be controlled by the President.

Ultimately, the Supreme Soviet and Mr. Smirnov agreed to form a conciliation commission which will include representatives from the Transnistrian Parliament, Government, and Presidency. This commission will seek to perfect Mr. Smirnov's project.

Analysts have said that Transnistria is thusly becoming the site of increasing political conflict, which is an interesting phenomenon considering the fact that political life in the region thus far seems to have been dominated by Igor Smirnov.

Oazu Nantoi, for example, told Imedia that the recent conflict could signal the end of the Smirnov era in the separatist republic. [Imedia: a detailed interview with Mr. Nantoi is available in English via our subscription-only service].

Chisinau has not yet commented on the events in the breakaway region, which has had de facto independence since 1992, when it split off from Moldova after a short but bloody civil war.