The Party of Socialists is against banning the use of the Ribbon of Saint George in Moldova, which it considers a holy symbol of the victory in World War II and will thus defend the people’s right to wear it, Socialist MP Vlad Batrincea said in the public debate “Ribbon of Saint George that unites and divides: motives and solutions” that was staged by IPN News Agency in partnership with Radio Moldova.

The lawmaker stated that the largest part of the Moldovans are for using this ribbon and this issue should not be politicized. Contradictions appeared because of the politicians, not of society. The Socialists do not want confrontations in the country and plead for a peaceful and constructive dialogue, but will not accept banning the symbol and punishing those who choose to wear it.

According to Vlad Batrincea, the Ribbon of Saint George has existed since the 17th century. The image of Saint George is closely connected to Moldova’s history. Those who try now to ban this ribbon wear other symbols, make calls for liquidating Moldova’s statehood and want the country to join with another state, which is more dangerous.

As to the assertions that the separatists in Ukraine fight under this symbol, the MP said the conflict in the neighboring country was generated by nationalism and ethnicity-related problems. “Such problems exist in our country too. When Valeriu Munteanu’s party attempts to divide society by saying that the Moldovans do not exist and that you’re are primitive if you are Moldovan, this is a provocation for me. If we live in a democratic and peaceful society, we must not follow the path of Ukraine,” he stated.

Vlad Batrincea also said that the Socialists always behaved peacefully and didn’t make calls to incite the people as they want a civilized dialogue without bans, manipulations and imposition of ideologies. “We didn’t demand fining those who carry the Romanian tricolor as this is their civic position,” he stated.

The public debate “Ribbon of Saint George that unites and divides: motives and solutions” is the 38th of the series of debates “Developing political culture through public debates”, organized by IPN with support from the German foundation “Hanns Seidel”.