The promotion of unionist ideas in the Republic of Moldova does not contravene the Constitution as long as it is done peacefully and within the legal framework. The statement was made by expert Igor Botan during a public debate on “What is happening in the unionist political segment?” organized by IPN News Agency. The expert explained that unionism does not mean “liquidation of the state by force or illegal undermining”, but the use of constitutional mechanisms (referendum) to propose a change.
Expert Igor Botan explained that if the idea of unionism is promoted peacefully, by democratic means, within the legal framework and with the ultimate goal of reaching a referendum, then it does not contravene the Constitution.
“The article in the Constitution that says that parties advocating the liquidation of the state, against sovereignty and independence, are illegal. This rule in the Constitution is countered by Article 142 of the Constitution, which says that the question of sovereignty, the unitary state, neutrality, can only be solved by referendum. If we put the two articles together, it turns out that to promote the idea of unionism, peacefully, within the legal framework, is not a violation of the Constitution,” said Igor Botan, the permanent expert of the project.
Botan recalled that the National Liberal Party (PNL) was the first political party in the Republic of Moldova that has openly assumed, through statutory acts, the objective of union with Romania.
“The PNL was the first unionist party to enshrine the unionism clause in its statutes and to promote this cause peacefully. Unionist ideas can only be promoted peacefully, by convincing citizens. Out of 66 parties, we have eight parties that have the Unionist clause in their statutory documents. This is 11-12%,” Igor Botan added.
The expert also emphasized the historical nature of the unionist movement, seen as a natural continuation of the National Renaissance Movement of the 90s. At the same time, he drew attention to a major obstacle to achieving the goal of unification: the lack of strong support from Romania.
“The unionist current is a continuation of the National Renaissance Movement. There is a big problem. Even if 100% of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova would like the Union with Romania, it will not happen as long as there is no strong support for the Union in Romania,” the expert pointed out.
The public debate on “What is happening on the unionist political segment?” is organized by IPN News Agency within the project “Development of political culture in public debates”. The project is supported by the German Foundation “Hanns Seidel”.
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