The political parties and the authorities of Gagauzia must show increased responsibility as regards the political propaganda used against the Association Agreement and the government coalition, say experts of the Institute for Development and Social Initiative “Viitorul”.
Presenting the analysis “Consequences of the Gagauz referendums for particular districts of Moldova” on May 12, author Veaceslav Berbeca said the municipality of Balti and the districts Donduseni, Dubasari, Ocnita, and Taraclia are the territorial-administrative units where the most devoted opponents of the European integration policies – the Communist Party and the Socialist Party – enjoy greater support in propagating the message to join the Eurasian Customs Union.
According to project coordinator Corneliu Ciurea, the referendums held in Gagauzia had a greater effect outside the country than inside it. The initiators of the referendums gave up staging such plebiscites in other districts, realizing probably the possible risks. The Government should work out a communication strategy by which to disseminate the advantages of the integration into the EU and to explain that the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU does not mean union with Romania.
Attending the event, Communist deputy in the People’s Assembly of Gagauzia Gheorghe Leiciu criticized the current government, saying the referendums are the people’s reaction to the non-fulfillment of promises and the lack of communication with those from Gagauzia. “During five years of boasting, the right-wing political parties didn’t define the European integration plans. We do not need visas. Most of those who are of Bulgarian ethnicity have European passports and can leave the country freely. The money comes from the Russian Federation, which feeds our families. But the EU invites us to visit them. On what money?” he asked.
Asked by IPN’s reporter if the people were objectively informed about the entry into the Customs Union and the integration into the EU before the February 2 referendums, Gheorghe Leiciu said the education level in Gagauzia is high and the people have computers and can read the press. So, they could analyze things and decide themselves. “The people only want decent living conditions and to be able to maintain their children now, not in 20-40 years. The EU does not offer such prospects for them,” he stated.
Communist MP Vladimir Vitiuc criticized the relations between the authorities of Chisinau and Balti. “The activities of the authorities make the people feel disgust at the European integration conception, while the perception that Balti town is an anti-European one is mistaken,” he stated.
Communist lawmaker Irina Vlah said the referendums were for the society’s benefit. “Our products are exported to Russia, not to the West. The people said it clearly that they are for joining the Customs Union,” she noted.
The experts of “Viitorul” recommended the authorities to be more responsible towards society and to communicate an objective message.
