Moldovan communists began on Thursday a boycott of parliament in an ongoing bid to force the resignation of acting President Mihai Ghimpu and his pro-Western acting government.

The ex-Soviet republic, the poorest country in Europe, has been locked in political turmoil since last year's parliamentary polls in which the pro-Western coalition narrowly defeated the communists. The inability of the new legislature to elect a new president has contributed to Moldova's severe economic crisis.

The ruling coalition plans to hold a referendum to amend election rules and make nominating a new president easier. However, the communists call this plan a "collusion" and "a usurpation of power."

The communists also plan to hold a referendum on a vote of no confidence in Ghimpu and the acting government.

CHISINAU, March 18 (RIA Novosti)