The arguments presented by Moldova in three problematic cases in the relations with the European Union – conviction of Vlad Filat and non-conviction of Ilan Shor, adoption of the mixed-member electoral system and invalidation of the local mayoral elections in Chisinau municipality – are not convincing in the communication with the EU. “The arguments are not convincing and cannot be placed in the context of the European rules,” stated foreign policy analyst Iulian Chifu, president of the Center for Conflict Prevention and Early Warning.
As to the conviction of ex-Premier Vlad Filat and non-conviction of Ilan Shor, the analyst said the instigator was convicted, while the perpetrator is outside and has a party and could enter Parliament and this generates major suspicions. “He is allowed to play a role that could have been cynically thought up to help in a particular equation of power and in the relationship with the EU. But for the EU it is inexplicable how the instigator can be convicted and be in jail, while the perpetrator is outside and the trial isn’t yet over,” Iulian Chifu was quoted by IPN as saying in the talk show “Fabrika” on Publika TV channel.
The adoption of the mixed-member electoral system contrary to the recommendations of the Venice Commission is the second major problem in the relationship with the EU. “We had a debate on the mixed electoral system that was held on the recommendation of the Venice Commission. For the EU, ignoring these recommendations is absolutely inacceptable. They are not formulated for being taken notice of only. They should indeed have a reflection,” stated the analyst.
According to Iulian Chifu, the annulment of the Chisinau local mayoral elections is the third issue on the agenda of the discussions with the EU that had a decisive impact. “These three issues, plus the laundering of money within the fiscal amnesty, the citizenship by investment and other things, have now a weight in any discussion on the relations between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova,” stated Iulian Chifu.
He noted that no one will discuss with the Republic of Moldova until after the elections. Inside the European Union, there are suspicions and preoccupations that will definitely not change.
The current government and the pro-European opposition should find formulas, openings and guarantees so as to show that their option is really European, that they want to do reforms in a particular way and have a plan of action and really take steps to make sure a pro-European formula could be continued after the elections, stated Iulian Chifu.
