Newsletter on Foreign Policy and European Integration Issues of the Republic of Moldova

Foreign Policy Association together with Friedrich- Ebert-Stiftung offer you a newsletter on foreign policy and European integration issues of the Republic of Moldova. The newsletter is part of the “Foreign Policy Dialogue” joint Project. NEWSLETTER MONTHLY BULLETIN AUGUST 2018 NR.6 (148) Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates The newsletter is developed by Sorina Ştefârţă, editor-coordinator TOPICS OF THE EDITION: 1. Dumitru Diacov, honourable chairman of the Democratic Party of Moldova: For many years to come, both Moscow and Bucharest and other powers will be having interests here 2. Editorial by Victoria Bucătaru, executive director of APE:27 years of Transition, 27 years of Uncertainty 3. Vasile Nedelciuc, deputy in the first Parliament and one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence:Today the mood has only one name: Leaving 4. Opinion of Parties:Republic of Moldova and its 27 Years of Independence: Expectations vs. Reality

News in Brief “Moldova is stronger in its international relations”, said Andrian Candu, speaker of Moldovan One Independence, parliament, at the end of the Parliament’s spring session. According to him, our country is no longer so vulnerable, while the external relations are pragmatic, based on respect and cooperation. In this context, he reminded of the US Congress Several Aspirations Resolution that the United States supports the territorial integrity and political sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia and Sorina Ștefârță reaffirms its support for the democratically elected governments and the people of the three countries. He also spoke about creation of the Parliamentary Slowly and sometimes in an Assembly of Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine (whose first session will take place in September in Georgia), uncertain way, the Republic of but also about energy security, highlighting in this Moldova has reached its 27th context the two interconnection projects- to the anniversary of Independence. electricity from Romania and the Iasi-Ungheni- Chisinau gas pipeline. As for economic relations, This day has traditionally become the speaker said that, currently, more than 65% of a moment to take stock of exports go to the EU countries, as a result of which we are no longer dependent on a single market successes and shortcomings. It dominated by political decisions. is also a day when journalists Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, are trying to find out, again and Iurie Leanca, paid an official visit to Copenhagen in again, if it was good what has August, where he reiterated the determination of our country to maintain the European integration been done in these years and course, and to continue and deepen the reforms what our fateful mistakes have in the economic, social and justice spheres. In addition, he reconfirmed Moldova’s willingness been. Because we all understand to get a clear European perspective, demanding that what we wanted “then” is Denmark’s support for this. Among the major topics discussed were the resumption of the Danish not really what we are having technical assistance to the Republic of Moldova, “now”. support of Chisinau’s efforts to withdraw Russian troops and resolve the Transnistrian conflict, as Republic of Moldova. Above all, wondering, “What would well as provision of EU assistance for the judiciary We understand, at the same he was a great personality and a Pasaniuc say?”. In one case or reform. The Danish officials have shown willingness to increase European political and technical support time, that the aspirations were great friend. On 27 August 1991, another, in one crisis or another. to our country. In particular, they noted the positive also different – the interviews although he had been fighting I’m also wondering about it now, impact that the EU-Moldova Association Agreement and the Free Trade Area had on the Moldovan with the protagonists of the for over half a year a merciless watching the political disgrace economy and society. current edition of the newsletter, cancer, he left the hospital and from Orhei and Jora de Mijloc. The deepening and widening of political and Dumitru Diacov and Vasile went to Parliament, then to But that we cannot know ... commercial-economic dialogue with India, the Nedelciuc, is a confirmation to the Great National Assembly We can only hope that in the initiation of cooperation partnerships in various fields, as well as the opening of a diplomatic that, likewise the Independence Square to sign the Declaration of time of protests and parallel mission to New Delhi were discussed with Indian itself has different connotations. Independence. Then he got into celebrations, there was at least officials by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Tudor Ulianovschi, during For some it means people. the car and came to visit us in Jora one who remembered those due the working visit to India - the first visit of a For others - the chance of a de Mijloc to bring us the big news. to whom this Independence was high-level official from the Republic of Moldova in the last 25 years. The agenda included successful career or maybe its He was so happy and so excited possible. Those who 27 years ago meetings with the Indian counterpart, Sushma end. For me, Independence has a that we all had begun to believe faced pain and came to the Great Swaraj, with other officials, as well as with the leadership of Indian corporations and business name - Vasile Pasaniuc. he was going to live. But he died National Assembly Square to representatives, etc. The sides have discussed He was chief doctor in Jora de in less than two months. And that legitimize a country they wanted the intensification of commercial-economic cooperation and the consolidation of bilateral Mijloc, and later- chief doctor of day of 27 August 1991 was the to be free, a country with worthy legal framework, including the completion of Orhei district, and then he won last day I saw him alive and happy and free people. the draft agreements on health, civil aviation, and cybernetic sector. The Republic of Moldova in an open confrontation, not on to be part of making our history. and India established diplomatic relations party lists, the deputy mandate In the years that followed, it * Please note that all articles were made on 12 March 1992. According to the foreign by August 27. office, in 2018, on the territory of the Republic in the first Parliament of the wasn’t just once that I was of Moldova there were registered 308 Indian citizens with temporary residence permits, 277 Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 6 (148), August 2018 of whom arrived here for studies. 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] AUGUST 2018 2 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates For many years to come, both Moscow and Bucharest and other powers will be having interests here Dumitru Diacov, honourable chairman of the Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM)

mong the few politicians, if not time after, the traditional domestic Athe only one, present in almost movements started: the ruling alliance all Moldovan Parliaments since 1994 has broken down, political conflicts (except for 2001-2005), Dumitru Diacov have started, the first sign coming in could be the chronicler of the country 1996 after the dispute between the and, at the same time, of the Moldovan three big Moldovan politicians-Snegur, parliamentarianism. On the eve of a new Lucinschi and Sangheli, between the Independence Day, I asked the current Presidency and the Parliament, with honourable chairman of the main ruling Petru Lucinschi having proposed to party how he was imagining, 27 years change to the presidential republic. The ago, the Republic of Moldova today and Venice Commission experts, whom we where we have stumbled - if we have - on addressed, no longer understood what the way to progress and development on was happening with the Republic of which we embarked on August 27, 1991. Moldova which had been so wise until I was convinced that the then and whose people has started to Mr Diacov, you have somehow Republic of Moldova would be fight among themselves… reproached me at the beginning of our dialogue that our journalists are not the best and most disciplined pupil In fact, also today the Venice curious enough and even superficial, Commission doesn’t quite understand otherwise they would monitor the what is happening to us... politicians more strictly - and partly Does this stage of our existence look I agree with you. But neither the as you imagined it 27 years ago? We will get there too. But it was clear politicians are receptive when the then - and I also told Mr Lucinschi about journalists touch them... Certainly not. I entered politics that- that Parliament was not going to from active journalism, in a period of change the Constitution in a way as to The politicians take advantage of big turbulences, being very excited cut its own attributions. Unfortunately, the fact the journalists are not curious. about that. In the 1994 Parliament, we haven’t been heard. And we could Besides, we still have fairly passive voters where I entered together with the have done lots of good things together. who don’t want to complicate their lives, Moldovan Democratic Agrarian Party, But there were other interests - too analyse and penalise the politicians. I was chairman of the Foreign Policy many interests... Of course, a major Parties propose programmes, etc., but Commission and I know how hard it was, contribution was made later by the major the country is developing according step by step, to assert ourselves as a conflict, directed towards the artificial to the population’s choice. We’ve had state. We struggled to join the Council division of society, between communists lots of parties in the period of almost of Europe as they were telling us that and frontiers, namely between Rosca and 30 years. Where are they now? When probably it didn’t make sense to join Voronin in 2002-2003. leaders disappeared, parties have as an independent state, since anyway, disappeared too without any continuity sooner or later, we were going to unite The famous and eternal national - from Agrarians, to Braghis, Urecheanu, with Romania. I have event found out interest, which, in fact, proves to be Snegur, Rosca and others. In this context, an informative note in this respect.... very personal? I am glad that PDM is among the few But I was convinced that the Republic parties that have maintained its identity of Moldova will be the best and most Personal or group interest. And we and logic, while ensuring the change disciplined pupil, that it will embrace will get rid of them only when people, of its leaders- Diacov, Lupu, and now the European idea quickly and that in the citizens of this country, will learn Plahotniuc. I hope it’s a beginning of a a very short time we will be a country to discern and punish the politicians tradition: the leader is changing, while that we will all be proud of. And we guided by such interests that are usually the party is continuing to exist... succeeded at that time... Then little disguised as national interests.

Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 6 (148), August 2018 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] AUGUST 2018 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 3 I want to be a friend of We risk to remain a provincial status requires from them. Those who Romania... space and people - and this don’t comply with these requirements would be a real shame need to understand that sooner or later Didn’t you say that also at the time of they will have to respond to the society for that. joining the Council of Europe there was If you were to name some of the the idea of unification with Romania? achievements of these 27 years, what Given the perpetuation of the Was it a realistic or a bravado thing? would they be? “tradition” of politicizing the institutions, is it correct to put all the The problem of unification has never I would answer with the words of responsibility on the shoulders of the really been posed. We have been used a friend who has an important role in people in the institutions? to talk about unification in Chisinau, but USAID: “I was the first time in Chisinau nobody wants to know what used to be in 1997. It was winter and I stopped at There is both white and black in and what it is, de facto, at the moment, the “National” hotel. Three women in everything. Politization does exist and the mood in Bucharest. At least at coats and felts met me. It was awfully I won’t deny it, but this depends very that time Bucharest had no interest in cold. I put everything I had on and went much also on the people. Especially developing this idea and presenting it to sleep. In the lobby only one bulb because we still have a lot of people to the Romanian society, but also to was on. It was dark all over ... Now it’s who, in a way, really want politicization the international political class. We not the same. You have a thousand and in order to be closer to the decision- have discussed then numerous times one progresses, only you don’t notice making center and to the key people ... this issue with our Western partners it because of the internal problems ... At the same time, I am convinced that - and there was no coherence there You have no idea how much Moldova this phenomenon doesn’t bear a general either. That is why I think it is a rather has developed over the years!” That’s character and that most civil servants speculative issue that prevents us from what he says to me - and every time are complying with the Law and the focusing on the real issues, creating false he wants to point out that this is true Constitution. And I would be happy, friends and false enemies. I, for example, for many areas. And I, even though as long as I’m in politics, to be able to want to be a friend of Romania, which I’m aware of the many problems we contribute, together with my party, to I consider to be one of the countries have, I tend to agree with my friend. the improvement of the state of affairs. closest to the Moldovan spirit. But the The Republic of Moldova has advanced Because politicized institutions is also a fact that if you say Unification is not economically, socially and in terms burden for the ruling party. possible, you are immediately placed in of the infrastructure. It’s a different the enemy camp, is not alright. country than it used to be 27 years ago. Obviously, we all want it to be better, Whether as a majority or part of Let’s admit it was speculation then. because that’s the nature of people. an alliance, we will need a good But what about today? Sometimes it And precisely because this is the desire, relationship with the EU seems to me that, apart from Marian we should all mobilize our forces. Lupu, who has discovered the scientific Otherwise, we risk to remain a provincial What are the chances to repair the and political facets of a single language, space and people. And this would be a relationship with the EU? Was/ is it still the PDM manifests itself as a unionist real shame. a success? party... To what extent have the country’s Technically, I think our situation is not PDM is not a unionist party and I don’t key institutions really become “state” in bad. But when it comes to the political rule out that this perception was created the sense of vision, action and policies aspect, however, we have what we because we simply don’t want to oppose developed for the benefit of the people? have - puzzlement, disagreements, and this current, which has the right to life, For, above all, the level of provincialism statements that need to be analysed and or we don’t hinder those who share of a country and society depends very solved. That’s why maybe it’s better to the ideal of unification. But PDM is a much on the institutions... let the specialists decide. pragmatic and realistic party, and that means we want to be with Romania in If I say that everything is perfect I Are you proposing to exclude the many beginnings and on many ways it will, at best, be not understood. I am political component of this relationship chooses. It is dramatic that there are too convinced, however, that within each - the commitments made under the many internal disputes both in Bucharest institution in the Republic of Moldova Association Agreement in the field of and Chisinau, which makes it hard for us there are people who want our country justice reform, fundamental rights, and to see each other and hear each other. to make progress and develop - as their financial security?

This is not the case, the European It’s true. Yet, we have to learn to in the PDM, and by ricochet all over the orientation should remain for the Republic respond calmly and pragmatically to country, there is only one person that of Moldova. Simply, let’s not forget that this more or less visible presence. makes the decisions- Vlad Plahotniuc. Is the country is approaching the elections Otherwise, we will turn into a the Democratic Party debating things? and that the European Parliament will geopolitical battlefield. For years, our And how often do you come up with a also be having elections soon. Both here entire competition has been limited critical opinion? and there, there is competition between to who occupied the first the National parties. And some parties from Brussels Assembly Square and I am not happy Of course, things are debated, but not of a particular orientation are closely about this polarization at all. We need a so noisy and not for show as others do connected with national parties. If we pro-Republic of Moldova government! it. Personally, I would like to see more are to talk about the PDM, I would like debates, also contradictory, both at that we look at things realistically and Moses has walked for 40 years the party and society level. And this is practically. We shouldn’t quarrel with our in the desert ... We are going to how the truth should be identified. But colleagues in the European structures, everything should have a logic. And this but try to analyze what they say and, step learn also this lesson is what party discipline means. by step, correct things so that we could But is there a party that says it is not move forward. We have no alternatives What are the chances to restore - PDM wants to participate in the next pro the Republic of Moldova? President the dialogue between Power and government... Igor Dodon considers himself the most Opposition? “pro” of the “pros”, for instance... I thought you planned to take the It’s inevitable. I don’t know if this is majority?! We need to be pro not only in going to happen until the elections, but - statements, but also in actions. In their it is quite complicated and politics in our We don’t want to be selfish. Obviously, turn, the actions should come as a result if you are a true political actor, you want country is rather noisy ... In this context, of an honest exercise, answering equally I would like to mention two key ideas: the majority, and the Democratic Party, honestly to the question: what is best for being one of the most serious political 1) Governance is obliged to organize this country and its people? I understand the elections in a fair manner, so that parties of the moment, will have a major that maintaining the barricades means say in the next governance structure. they are free, democratic and, above extra votes that you don’t have to worry all, leave the door open for dialogue. But, whether as a majority or part of an too much. But we are going to learn also alliance, there is no doubt that we will Let us all sit down at the negotiation this lesson. Moses has walked for 40 table the following day and discuss what all need a good relationship with the years in the desert... European institutions. Even the socialists we should do with the future of the Republic of Moldova. And 2) Opposition who are playing the “anti-European Do you think we want everything too heroes” will need it. should come up with more concrete fast? programmatic ideas about this future. Does the Moscow hand exist? Yes, that’s probably because of the And finally, what is the priority for times we are living– everything is at a click There are so many hands! Some are strengthening the Independence? distance, “here and now”. But things are tickling and others are pinching us. going to work themselves out when we But there is no reason to get agitated The actual consolidation of the state will understand that nobody is going to pay as we should be aware of the fact - economic, justice, institutions. In our pensions, that we have to create jobs that for many years to come, Moscow, addition to that, there is need for an at home and not wait for gifts from either Bucharest, Kiev, and the EU and the accountable government, no matter the Russians or the Americans. No one will USA will have interests in this part how many mandates it intends to get. In do our job for us or unite us as people. It is of the world. That’s why we should fact, the Republic of Moldova has all the us who should do it. understand that we need to have good necessary components to develop as an relations both with the Romanians, the independent state. We just have to really I wouldn’t say everybody is waiting Ukrainians, and the Americans. want that. for gifts - they are all just leaving. Including from a government that, All the difference is who comes with Thank you very much for the more and more, gives orders instead of the tanks and who comes with the discussion. listening. For in the public perception, grants... Sorina Ștefârță

Victoria Bucătaru, executive director, In general, political elites play a decisive Foreign Policy Association role in the development, modernization and assurance of the progress of a state, At its 27th anniversary of Independence being the actors that give impetus to the that we are celebrating at this end of development of society. The so-called August, one of the most important “new political elite”, having the support questions for the Republic of Moldova of the majority of the population, remains its viability. De jure, we are changed the Moldovan internal and an independent state, recognized as a external policy path towards the West. full-fledged actor on the international Although the train has “derailed” arena. There is, de facto, much to do to significantly in the past few years, the strengthen this independence. De jure, European orientation has remained - at we have territorial integrity, de facto we least for the time being - the basic idea don’t. We fought for democracy, freedom that gives us all hope for a better future. and market economy, but did we learn to appreciate them all Also, due to the unity of political elites and the unity of the and capitalize on these achievements? society, in order to achieve the national interest, the Baltic States and other Central and Eastern European countries The Republic of Moldova is known as one of the post- have succeeded in overcoming several critical situations. soviet states which, following the break-up of the USSR, As far as we are concerned, we haven’t had a sincere on August 27, 1991, chose to align to the European values discussion about our national interest so far, which is why and institutions. However, the transition period has proved the geopolitical discourse and security vulnerabilities are to be rather long - much longer, in fact, compared to other commonplace in Moldova. countries that seem to have had the same starting point, but have developed at a much faster pace. First of all, it is about The lack of cohesion at the national level, the lack of the Baltic States which, for almost 15 years already, have understanding of the values of genuine democracy, and the been members of the European Union, but also of the North ignorance of historical roots (history, language, traditions, and Atlantic Alliance. It is to them - Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia – culture) are creating a vacuum which is, unfortunately, rapidly that I will continue to refer, because they are success stories, filled with sterile discourse and invented threats that are, finally, succeeding, despite the geopolitical difficulties, to break the coming to life. Thus, from a Romanian state we have become a Soviet past and redirect to other forms of cooperation and multi-ethnic state, from the Romanian language we ended up alliances. But what prevents us from doing the same thing? with a state or Moldovan language, and from the History of the Romanians we have been left with the History of no one. According to the “Freedom in the World 2018” rating, developed by “Freedom House”, all three Baltic States have Today, we are talking about division in society (East-West), been qualified as free, while the Republic of Moldova remains geopolitical factors, creation of a Moldovan civic identity, but partially free with a downward trend. The same applies to are these really the major issues that hinder the progress and the freedom of the media in the three countries, a trend development of the Republic of Moldova? Not at all, as far that demonstrates the viability and power of the values of as I am concerned ... Moreover, the true and unifying issues the European Union as a collective structure. Of course, the are the deeply-rooted corruption, the lack of viable reforms, unsuccessful examples of Poland and Hungary at the moment poor governance and non-transparent policies. Democracy could obscure the systemic stability of the European Union. and freedom imply opportunities and restrictions, benefits But here comes a crucial element, namely, the culture and and responsibilities, a dignified life, but also respect for the political legacy, as well as the influence that third-party actors individual, community, society and country. Only when we exert within the community. become aware of these simple social and political equations, will we be able to talk about viability and integrity.

Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 6 (148), August 2018 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] AUGUST 2018 6Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates Today the mood has only one name in the Republic of Moldova: Leaving Vasile Nedelciuc, deputy in the first Parliament and one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence

lthough in the people’s mentality, If in this case we went in tandem with Athe Independence of the Republic of the Baltic people and other colleagues Moldova was preponderantly the work of the USSR, why didn’t we come up of the writers, Vasile Nedelciuc, doctor the right way and are lagging so much of computer sciences and one of the behind? authors of the historical act of August 27, 1991, demonstrates the contrary. The idea was to proclaim Moreover, it seems that precisely the Independence in order to become technical approach has propelled and stronger in the face of Moscow, to maintained him for more than a decade consolidate our national identity, to make in the Moldovan politics. Later, in 2001, reforms, and to get rid of the sentiment he created “Endava” - an UK-based IT of slavery among our people. I was company present today in 13 countries. convinced that my fellow citizens would However, the private sector activity wake up in five or ten years, and even if has not detached him completely current Republic of Moldova. But I we failed to do the unification, at least, from the social-political life. Thus, can say - contrary to the speculations we will do our best to be as integrated after being a founding member of the subsequently made and the accusations as possible with Romania, and thus with Democratic Movement of Moldova and brought to me - that in 1991, when Europe. We have always advocated of the Popular Front; deputy in the first proclaiming Independence, I was aware creation of as many joint institutions and democratic parliament, and later in the that we could not do the unification projects as possible with Romania - the legislatures of 1994 and 1998, where with Romania. And it’s not because we free exchange of capital, jobs, diplomas, he was chairman of the parliamentary didn’t want it, but because Romania etc. - so that, when Romania is admitted commission for foreign relations, the was not ready. We could not follow the to the European Union, they will take head of the Moldovan delegation to model of the Baltic States - to restore also us into account. We hoped they PACE and vice-president of PACE, he is the Constitution until the Molotov- will understand that we are too strongly active also in the associative sector as a Ribbentrop Pact - because Romania connected and that we can no longer live founding member of the Foreign Policy was no longer the kingdom that we outside the EU. That is how we would Association and its President (2010- had been detached from on June 28, have rapidly become EU candidates. But 2016). How Independence is seen by 1940. In addition, the political situation it wasn’t to be, unfortunately. Vasile Nedelciuc you can see it in the over the Prut after 1989, was still very text below. troubled, and Iliescu and his team did It is also by “our” people that not have the courage and determination our European aspirations have Mr. Nedelciuc, to what extent have to put this issue under discussion. been compromised your expectations from 27 years ago Also, the Western governments been fulfilled? didn’t welcome the idea, especially What was the reason for that? Washington. Everyone understood Unfortunately, not even ten percent that if they agreed to discuss the It was because of both people and of what my colleagues and I wished reunification, they risked triggering phenomena that didn’t depend on us. when we were working on the other major debates in the region. Above all, it was Transnistria. In 1990, Declaration of Independence, but also And the West preferred that we keep as one of the first Moldovan officials on the dozens of papers developed up with the others and proclaim our to visit Bucharest, I warned the post- in 1998-1991 and through which we Independence, promising their support 1989 leadership of Romania - Ion tried to radically change things in the in this endeavour. Iliescu and Petre Roman –of the big

Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 6 (148), August 2018 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] AUGUST 2018 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 7 danger of splitting as the separatism it had other priorities. In 2009, when I cannot believe it you are taking was massively supported by Moscow they thought there was a new team with Igor Dodon’s statements seriously! It is ... But it is also true that we have never which they could turn the mountains, obvious that he is cheating... even had a parliamentary majority of they invested in us, perhaps more than true democrats. Yes, there were two we deserved. But it turned out that they As long as the press, instead governing alliances - ADR in 1998 and also like money, so they stole and thus of boycotting it, is multiplying his AIE in 2009 for two to three years. But compromised our European aspirations. statements, it is no longer a joke. And they were made up of parties with the three “problems” he listed are different views regarding the key issues Where do you think we are today? proof of this. The first is “the madness of the country: the relationship with of the leadership that triggered the Romania and, in general, the future of The main indicator for me and the war in Transnistria.” You have to be the Republic of Moldova. Having never pulse is the company I’m leading. In blind, stupid or simply insensitive to not had such a majority, we did not have any 2009-2010 there was a different state of see that the same scenario was used legislative body to draft laws in order to mind among my employees. Today the in our country and later in Georgia, get rid of the syndrome of dependence mood has only one name: leaving. This Donbass and even in the Crimea. Even on Moscow and to clearly formulate happens despite the fact that people the Russians no longer believe in their the future option to be communicate receive very good salaries and have very innocence ... Another message, which is to the world, but also to take it over good working conditions. But they are a big stupidity, refers to the “mistake” of as a common unifying message at the leaving, because they don’t see their and those who were in power in 1990 to give Government, Parliament, and Presidency their children’s future here. And the mass up the enormous economic heritage left levels. De facto, all these years, the media is promoting nonstop nobodies, by the Soviet Union. How can a doctor leadership of the country were either not young people who have, for instance, in economics - for he claims to be it - a representatives of the old nomenclature won the international Olympiad in man who was also Minister of Economics or its descendants. President Timofti mathematics and who, through their to say so, when he knows well that at was an exception, but he could not do intelligence and knowledge, conquered that time about 90% of this industry much without a loyal government and a whole world. “Endava” is better known was subordinated to the Soviet Union parliament. Otherwise, all those who in the West than in the country. We are and was serving the military system of negotiate key issues with the USA or the first Moldovan company to be listed the USSR? When they did not need the the EU have had duplicitous messages, on the New York Stock Exchange and volume of the equipment, the Russians trying to protect their position and we have no equals on the local market – diminished the demand ... And after relationships. And the secret services despite that the talented young people the borders opened and people began have not been serving the country, but are still leaving the country! to import - from clothes to cars - who the ruling party, its main mission being to would have bought an “Alfa” TV or an collect compromising material about the Competent people, fair justice “Aurica” washing machine? The industrial Opposition. sector had to be modernised, but at that and taxes distributed wisely time there was no money, and later no And why did the Opposition allow for wish was there anymore. To modernise How should the future look like, so this situation? the industry, there is also need for that these young people stay at home? investment, and for educated people, the The opposition, de facto, has not latter becoming increasingly scarce. advanced strong leaders. And if it There are several essential elements: did happen, the attacks would start to have competent and honest people in And, ultimately, the president’s third immediately both from the Left and power; to have a system of justice that “problem” is that we have betrayed our Right. I’m saying it from my own you know will do justice in accordance national identity. But the truth is we had experience - whenever I had some with the law; and to know that if you no identity in 1990! And I’m really proud success outside, at home I was harshly pay taxes, they will be used wisely - for of the fact that I brought Romanian attacked. So, for instance, I was called roads, schools, infrastructure, etc. And books in Moldova and that I opened a British agent by political opponents. besides all this, the European perspective the doors for the young people to go to The services have always worked with should be clear. Otherwise, more people study in Romania. Yes, we did choose Moscow to discredit the Moldovan pro- are going to leave. But how can you build the Romanian identity and the fact that European politics and not allow it to a future when you have such leaders as today Moldova looks more European develop. Many parties have become Ltd Dodon, who a few days ago, identified than Transnistrian is the result of that es with dubious funding. The West didn’t three big problems that made Moldova effort. Otherwise - as Mr Dodon probably want to get involved directly, because stagnate, preventing it from developing. wants - we would have disappeared from

the map. But such messages as his are the environment. And I’m speaking from to speak both with the citizens and confusing and disappointing. And it is experience - I’m judging by us and our international partners, are unlikely to clear that in this country worthy people customers. As a result, IT needs to be come to power. The things will change are not desirable. Dominant are the fear an area of increasing interest, including only when we have credibility, when of competition, envy and clan. for the young people in the Republic of investments will come, and when Moldova. However, we continue to send companies like “Endava” will not be just Which clan are you part of since you our children to study Law, Economics and one, but a hundred of them. Only then are resisting with your business in this International Relations. What are the will the foreign policy of this country – if country? International Relations about?! it will still be a country ... - depend not on people like Igor Dodon, but on people I was lucky – it’s not my merit – to find I think the new global who are honest in their work and on from the start a UK investor, so I have arrangement is just about to their will. Otherwise, you are taking a big worked exclusively for the West. We are risk. a British company and the relationship follow with the Republic of Moldova is largely Risking seems to have become a reduced to the payment of taxes. Maybe it is exactly those who are lifestyle. Hasn’t the government taken Millions of MDL, however. In addition, studying international relations that are an enormous risk in recent months our employees spend additional millions going to solve the Transnistrian conflict by taking decisions which have here for homes, cars, furniture, and on at some point? deteriorated at maximum the relations keeping their parents and grandparents. with all key development partners - That’s why I sometimes wonder how The Transnistrian settlement will not from invalidating local elections to the long we will be talking about tomatoes happen as long as the West doesn’t fiscal reform that have been severely and wine in this country! Agriculture is make a new geopolitical arrangement criticized by both the USA and the EU? important and shouldn’t be neglected, with Russia. We have no chance to but we cannot focus on it alone in the succeed without global agreements. This My only explanation is that those who 21st century. There are several factors has always been the case of big powers, are playing this game in Chisinau have that must mobilize us to think and and after the collapse of the communist very good consultants, who know how act differently: we are in an unstable system an essential arrangement hasn’t the USA and the EU is going to react. geopolitical area, the global economy been made yet. It is true that, in today’s For when you have Turkey with Erdogan is working according to rules which we international context, the question is and Ukraine with a war in the East, cannot change, and the technologies not “if,” but “when” it will be. With and when you see what is happening have advanced enormously. Because we Trump coming, a lot of things have been in Hungary and Poland, against the don’t have natural resources, our chance overthrown - but more so economically, backdrop of more and more obvious is our services. And not all services, not geo-strategically. And I think an disruptions within the European Union, but the ones that give people jobs and important geopolitical arrangement will you choose to focus on somewhat competitive salaries. That is how we be made, otherwise we will always live in more important issues. And under the can achieve both well-being and dignity. a state of turbulence. We have no power circumstances, I don’t exclude that these With poor people it’s hard to make a rich to influence these phenomena, not even consultants have told our politicians: you country. Romania can do it. However, we have can go until here or there, for example, to peddle as much as possible towards because there is no time to intervene By paraphrasing an old Soviet film, Romania and Europe. more harshly. But they are terribly everything will disappear but not IT... mistaken, and I think everything is just a Are the next parliamentary elections momentary “weakness”. For in the end, It is certain that some professions in a position to change the Republic of the Westerners - especially Americans – will disappear. Classical accountants, Moldova? will take appropriate measures against family doctors - all will be replaced by those who played dishonest games. Hope applications. It is a reality to which we Impossible. Rather the next to stay healthy and live better times. should already adapt and understand election can give a totally unprepared that, at the same time, the balance will composition to what Moldova needs. Thank you for the interview and ... for be inevitably in favour of IT. With IT you New-minded, educated and cultivated Independence, as it is, for now. can automate all other activities, produce people who are not thieves and who, Sorina Ștefârță more and more qualitatively, and protect once on their way, will know how

Opinion of Parties Republic of Moldova and its 27 Years of Independence: Expectations vs. Reality

he “Opinion of Parties” column was launched in the ago when the country’s independence was proclaimed? Have Tcontext of the 2018 electoral year and provides the the key institutions really become “state” in terms of vision, political parties and potential aspirants to the Moldovan action and policies? parliament with an additional platform to make public 2. Where was - or perhaps where it didn’t happen - the turning point that would have propelled the country to a new level of their position on various social and political issues of development? Who or what is to blame for the failure? In this major interest to citizens. This time, we have asked party context, what are the most significant achievements of the 27 representatives to take stock of the country’s 27 years year-period of independence, but also the most resounding of Independence, which we are celebrating at the end of failures and challenges? August. 3. Based on these, what should be our ambitions for the future? How would you like to see our country on the world map? How 1. To what extent, from your point of view, today’s Republic of could and should it, in fact, look? Moldova corresponds to the expectations we all had 27 years

We risk remaining a buffer first years after the independence from 2. zone between the Russian and USSR. For us, those who were part of the National Liberation Movement and voted The turning point was the abandonment Western world for the separation from the Soviet Union, of the Romanian identity recovery project Independence was only one element, and the structuring of the state based on an intermediate step towards correcting a historical and fake Moldovan identity of the historical injustice generated by Soviet type. The culprits are both within the Ribbentrop-Molotov agreement. It and outside the Republic of Moldova. De was the vehicle meant to bring us back facto, from our point of view, since its to Romania, from which we had been independence, the Republic of Moldova has separated by an illegal and immoral act, been given the role of a buffer zone between that was ab initio recognized as void by the Russian and the Western world – this has all the relevant actors of international started together with the war on the Nistru relations. The institutions that emerged and has been continuing until today with on the ruins of the former Moldovan sustained achievement efforts of the so- Soviet Republic have remained largely called Moldovan civic nation. in the hands of former nomenklatura, who distributed among themselves For us, the most important achievements Anatol Șalaru, executive president of the the resources, creating a new caste are the partial recovery of national identity National Unity Party (PUN) that prospered on the account of the elements: Romanian language, Romanian impoverished population. Thus, after history, Tricolor and the right to identify 1. 27 years of independence, the Republic as Romanians. The results that some of Moldova failed to build functional politicians are boasting today with - the Under no circumstances did the Republic institutions, and I tend to believe it will Association Agreement with the EU or the of Moldova succeed in meeting the visions not succeed, because it is an artificial visa liberalisation regime – is 90% credit of and expectations that we had during the state exploited by different interest Romania and not of the Moldovan political National Liberation Movement and in the groups disputing their access to resources. class. Hence, our biggest failure is that we

Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 6 (148), August 2018 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] AUGUST 2018 10 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates couldn’t realise the unification with Romania corresponds to the expectations they had at difficult task of defending and consolidating in the early 1990s, following the model of the the proclamation of the state independence. the democratic processes, a major challenge two Germanys. When it comes to the biggest It is true that, compared to the period until is to convince people that they can have a challenge, in the opinion of PUN, this is the Independence, we are enjoying certain good future at home. new social experiment of transforming the freedoms and rights, but they are also being Bessarabian Romanians into the so-called jeopardized. It is because we have failed to 3. civic nation. In fact, it is a soft re-sovietization build strong institutions to defend the rights meant to keep us in the same buffer zone and freedoms of all citizens. Likewise, we The Republic of Moldova should become a where we could live in the ever-loving arms have not succeeded in building a market country that people don’t want to leave. A of God, loving Russia and the EU equally and economy with clear rules that can provide country where people who respect the law non-discriminatingly. us with sustainable and inclusive growth. feel protected. A country where the rights Respectively, our state can provide neither and freedoms of all citizens are secured by 3. prosperity nor freedom to its citizens. the Constitution. A country where people We have to say openly that, ever since who work honestly can live a dignified life. I think the ambitions of the citizens - not the independence, people’s sense of despair institutions, because they have become only hasn’t been as strong as today. a vehicle of the economic and financial class The Republic of Moldova should that has been dominating the Republic of 2. Moldova ever since its appearance, 27 years return to democracy and ago - should be oriented towards integration Things have not happened the way we Romania with Romania. I don’t believe in the Republic wanted for a number of reasons. The of Moldova as an independent state. But Republic of Moldova didn’t have institutional if this experiment which resulted from the memory in policy making and public affairs Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact continues, the administration. It had to build institutions, Republic of Moldova is going to be a minor that is, the state, from scratch. This is a country and a buffer between two worlds: complicated process in itself. At the same the Russian and the Western. time, it had to make the transition from one economic system to another. The social Our state can ensure neither costs of this transition have proved to be enormous, which over time has weakened prosperity nor freedom for its the people’s support for reforms. Because citizens the institutions were (and remain to be) weak, there was no one to impose the law and protect the citizens from the abuses of tricks that have massively exploited the Dorin Chirtoacă, weaknesses of the state, collected significant deputy chairman of Liberal Party wealth, bypassing or violating the laws, and later used these resources to gain total 1. control over political processes and state institutions. Of course, there are countries in Independence was proclaimed - from my the region that started after independence point of view and from the point of view with the same handicaps, but they manged of those who represented the National to do much more than we did. I am referring Revival Movement and the Popular Front in particular to the Baltic States. The since 1989, including my relatives Gheorghe difference is largely due to the net superiority and Mihai Ghimpu - as a first step towards Maia Sandu, Chairwoman of the Action and of the political class there and perhaps, to a reintegration and unification with Romania. Solidarity Party certain extent, to the massive support they This desiderate was on the lips of all people have received from the West in the early with clear conscience. Independence 1. years of transition. meant detachment from the “Empire of Evil”, as US President Ronald Reagan put Unfortunately, after more than a quarter of As to the achievements, we can probably it, and the direction towards progress and a century of transition, most citizens of the mention the fact that we have managed to development, as the Baltic countries did it. Republic of Moldova are deeply disappointed preserve some elements of the democratic But ... in these years, the state institutions with the situation in the country. Except process, compared to other countries such have failed to become what should have for a small group of profiteers of the as Belarus, Azerbaijan, etc. It’s just that the been within Greater Romania - institutions current regime, I don’t think there is a lot latest dramatic events are jeopardizing these of regional level. The government, from of people who can say that today’s reality achievements. Apart from the urgent and the outset, has only been a Soviet fossil.

Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 6 (148), August 2018 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] AUGUST 2018 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 11 Because of the Communist-Soviet mentality, is just trying to survive. Many have sold We are obliged to put the now mingled with superficiality and their soul for 30 pieces of silver in order Republic of Moldova on a viable complete meaninglessness, following the not to lose their jobs. Exodus abroad is establishment of the Plahotniuc-Dodon not only the choice of those who don’t democratic foundation regime and the decision-making at the have a job - there are also people who Democratic Party or Global Business Center have a satisfying material situation here, headquarters, the state turned into a but still want a better future for their robotic structure executing political orders children than the one at home. that are increasingly absurd. The lack of human resources, which has always been a Of course, there have been achievements in problem, is now more acute than ever. If we these years, for instance, free movement in talk in medical terms, the patient is clinically Europe is felt most by people for they can dead and can survive as long as remittances travel, visit their relatives, etc. But without a come from abroad. Otherwise, the octopus real connection of the Republic of Moldova is growing and strangling everything on its to the European economy and without way, killing the patient slowly. ensuring the rule of law at home, all the successes don’t matter. And you can see What we’ve had functional these years failures everywhere. There are talks about was the local public administration (totally the stolen one billion dollars, but Moldova’s Andrei Năstase, chairman of the “Dignity deprived of resources but providing direct external debt is seven billion which equals and Truth” Platform contact with people), civil society, the to the gross domestic product - and it’s all press (the ones that resisted and remained on the citizens’ shoulders. But where are the 1. free) and the private business environment seven billion? This money was like water in which, being obstructed, has failed to the sand as we saw nothing concrete from The fact that today’s Republic of Moldova develop to the required level. Likewise, them. And this is just one aspect ... As far does not meet the expectations that we all we have failed to form a strong middle as future challenges are concerned, it is just had during the great hopes of 1988-1991 class, which would have been the pillar of one: removing the dictatorship, restoring is caused above all by the poor quality of democracy, alongside the rule of law and democracy and the rule of law, freedom the so-called political class from the past respect for human rights. So, 27 years after and independence of the press and justice. decades. However, the main responsibility the proclamation of Independence, the This way we can give the citizens the hope for the current serious situation lies Republic of Moldova has all the features that the Republic of Moldova can function with the oligarchic regime that came to of a failed state that has derailed again ... Then we should build the unification with power in 2009 and which, since 2014, in dictatorship and which is once again Romania based on the German model. As has turned into a mafia-style dictatorship revealing its artificial character, the result of the Berlin Wall has fallen, so should the under Plahotniuc. If in the first years of two other dictators’ will - Stalin and Hitler border on the Prut. Independence there were also objective through the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact from factors that contributed to the difficult August 23, 1939. 3. situation of the Republic of Moldova - the economic crisis after the dissolution of the 2. I’ve mentioned it already above - the USSR, which generated the loss of more Republic of Moldova should return to than 300,000 jobs; contraction of the There have been several turning points: democracy, otherwise it will be lost total volume of the industrial production in 1991, for example, when the Baltic and it is going to be a hybrid of Russia, to only 20% of the 1989 level; the war in countries refused to join the CIS and took Turkmenistan and North Korea ... The Transnistria; the economic crisis in Russia to the West, joining the EU even faster situation is much more dangerous than in 1998 - the economic catastrophe of than Romania. We went to the CIS and it seems, because the institutions lack recent years is exclusively the consequence we messed it up ... Then the war on the content, they have even less content of the criminal nature of the current Nistru and the creation of the separatist than the institutions in the former USSR/ government, which is plundering regime have worsened the situation. In MSSR and or that of the institutions in the “officially” and cynically its own people. 1999-2000, a series of delayed reforms 1991 (though few, luckily there were at began, but they all failed because of least some professionals). And even if the Unlike the current government, the multiple betrayals and backstage games of current nightmare is over, it will take us governments of the first decade after the same communist nomenclature. Since years and a lot of effort to get it all back. Independence contributed at least to 2009, there has been another chance, Regarding our place on the world map, I the creation of the prerequisites for a especially after the April 7th sacrifice of think that the Greater Romania from 1918 European state-building: the separation the youth, but the arrogance of some, is exactly the country we need to have. And from the USSR, the elaboration and the hidden interlope interests, the greed if Queen Maria, King Ferdinand and the the approval of a modern Constitution and the theft from the three banks have Romanian people succeeded with it 100 (except for some unfortunate provisions, overturned this opportunity. Today, no years ago, we should also succeed in the including art .13); the adoption of national one believes in anything and everybody 21st century. legislation and creation of the main state

Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 6 (148), August 2018 64, Sciusev str. MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Tel-Fax: +373 22 21 09 86 Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected] AUGUST 2018 12 Synthesis and Foreign Policy Debates 9 institutions; progress in judicial reform reform of the regulatory and control 3. during the 1990s; the alternation of power institutions should become priorities for took place on the basis of a genuine strengthening the Independence, because Our vision regarding the development of political competition. These achievements no political and economic initiative can be the Republic of Moldova is reflected in were also appreciated by the Council of seriously discussed without reforming the the PPDA Political Programme, but also in Europe, the Republic of Moldova being the rule of law. our country project “Republic of Moldova: first CIS state to become a member of this 2. a State in which You Want to Live”. The prestigious European organization. For a basic ideas include: creating a state with good period, the Republic of Moldova was The turning point, in our view, occurred modern institutions at the service of even considered an example of functional in 2001, which marked the beginning citizens, with an efficient and responsible democracy in the ex-Soviet space. All these of a national catastrophe. Then 2009 public administration, strong legal rules functioned in one way or another followed when, under the positive rhetoric institutions, independent and uncorrupted until Plahotniuc entered the Moldovan of European integration, a group of justice; creating favourable conditions for politics after 2009. Since then, our country mobsters entered politics and hijacked sustainable economic development by has steadily slipped into a mafia-style the democratic and European path of means of extensive anti-crisis measures; dictatorship. Beside the fact that the the country. This happened despite the stabilizing the banking system, changing Constitution has been de facto abolished, fact that in 2009 a favourable situation the leadership and management of state- the current regime has transformed was created, which could propel the owned enterprises intentionally bankrupt; the Republic of Moldova into a “fiscal Republic of Moldova towards a level of extended confiscation of the assets of the paradise” and an offshore area, risking to development expected by the population. corrupt people; the destruction of schemes become the grey area of Europe in which For none of the previous governments that squeeze public money; smart and the dirty money of transnational criminal benefited from a more favourable predictable fiscal policies; improvement of groups around the world will be legalized. international climate, bigger political, the business environment and creation of Precisely this poses the most serious threat financial and moral support from the EU an attractive investment climate. The central to the independence of the Republic of institutions and Member States and the idea is to change the paradigm of economic Moldova. donor community! The governments, development - from a country that relies on however, have created in our country an remittances and consumption to one that In this context, I believe that the biggest oligarchic system, which has gradually develops competitive industries based on failure of the governments from the turned into an anti-European dictatorship. the high-quality human capital. We start -1990es was that the reform of the rule We are living the consequences now, in from the prerequisite that we cannot have of law has not been completed. Hence particular, in terms of demography and a prosperous future without an active and the capture of state institutions, the exodus, which are affecting the country’s decisive involvement of the Diaspora in the antidemocratic abuses of the government, development prospects. Thus, despite the political and economic life, and especially in the alarming increase in the human results achieved in the recent years - such the modernization process of the country. rights’ violations, the impoverishment of as the visa liberalization regime and the All the other elements of our initiatives the population, the degradation of the Association Agreement with the European - education, health, social protection economic and social situation, the mass Union - for the most part, because of and pension systems - depend decisively exodus. For this reason, strengthening the current government, the Republic of on whether we will be able to politically the rule of law and the capacity of the Moldova has not been able to capitalize eliminate the current regime and put the institutions responsible for combating on all the opportunities offered in these Republic of Moldova on a viable democratic corruption, the justice reform and the nearly three decades. foundation.

The opinions expressed in the newsletter are not necessarily those of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) or of the Foreign Policy Association (APE).

Foreign Policy Association (APE) is a non-governmental organization committed to supporting the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European Union and facilitating the settlement of the Transnistrian conflict in the context of the country Europeanization. APE was established in fall 2003 by a group of well-known experts, public personalities and former senior officials and diplomats, all of them reunited by their commitment to contribute with their expertise and experience to formulating and promoting by the Republic of Moldova of a coherent, credible and efficient foreign policy.

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) is a German social democratic political foundation, whose purpose is to promote the principles and foundations of democracy, peace, international understanding and cooperation. FES fulfils its mandate in the spirit of social democracy, dedicating itself to the public debate and finding in a transparent manner, Monthly Bulletin, Nr. 6 (148), August 2018 social democratic solutions to current and future problems of the society.64, Sciusev str.Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung MD-2012, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, has Tel-Fax: been +373 active 22 21 09 in 86 the Republic of Moldova since October 2002. Website: www.ape.md E-mail: [email protected]