The Moldovan Communists Party (PCRM) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday at a manifestation in the National Palace attended by some 2,000 people, according to organizers. The event has been joined by all the top leadership of the republic, headed by President Vladimir Voronin, the leader of the PCRM since its foundation, speaker Marian Lupu and premier Zinaida Greceanai. Vladimir Voronin uttered a 60-minute speech, highlighting the main achievements of the Communists, in power since 2001. Voronin criticized the Governments of the 90s, claiming that they brought Moldova to a deep economic and social crisis, comparing Moldova’s then state with “clinical death.” He praised Moldova’s development during the Soviet era, saying it was then one of the most dynamic republic of the Soviet Union. Voronin has reiterated the position of the present Government toward the European integration, reminding this is a strategic course announced in 2002, unlike the previous Governments which did not manage to closer to the EU. He has also mentioned the development of the relationships with the CIS. Referring to the Transnistrian issue, Voronin stated it was and is a priority for the Communists Government and the situation has changed compared with 8 months ago. According to Voronin, the policies and reforms promoted by the PCRM are an example for other left-wing parties. “The specific left-oriented Moldovan prologue is in the center of the most serious meditations about how the present policy of the left-wing parties should be in the world,” he stated. Vladimir Voronin has received gifts from PCRM members and supporters. The Parliament’s faction gave him a clock as high as one meter, while a girl dressed in Soviet pioneer clothes gave him a big plush toy. The celebration ended with a concert. PCRM set up on October 22, 1993, and was registered in April 1994. They came to power following the 2001 elections, gaining 71 seats of 101 in the Parliament. In the 2005 parliamentary elections it got 46% of votes entitling it to 56 seats. According to Moldovan analysts, those victories are due to a number of factors especially the economic and political situation of the then period, due to the populist electoral promises of the Communists and the nostalgia of many for the Soviet period.