In an electoral year, the union theme, when this cannot be avoided or banned, is inflated and turned into an electoral weapon and all these threats and the stigmatization from the upper level worsens the climate in society and divides the people between good and bad instead of bringing them closer, said historian and publicist Gheorghe Cojocaru.

In an interview for Radio Free Europe, quoted by IPN, Gheorghe Cojocaru said that since the start of this year a number of villages, district centers and suburban localities have pleaded publicly for Moldova’s union with Romania, through local elected officials, as it happened 100 years ago, when the then Bessarabia became part of the Kingdom of Romania. The statements signed and made public by mayors and local elected officials are fueled by the feeling of joy as they are able to symbolically and really celebrate the Union Centenary, together with the whole Romanian area.

As regards the presidential office’s announcement that many villages signed other statements, against the union, and the fact that President Igor Dodon seeks holding accountable those who sign symbolic statements on the union with Romania, the historian said that in an electoral year the union theme is turned into an electoral weapon. Nevertheless, the threats from the highest level make the climate in society tense and divide the people into good and bad instead of bringing them closer.

“Some people, affected by an eclipse of mentality, are even ready to take arms in their hands so as to shoot at people in the neighboring village. On the other hand, anti-union statistics are provided from time to time, but no one has yet seen such a statement and those who sign them. Not the dialogue and good understanding, but the thirst for hunting the enemies of statehood and excluding them from society are those that matter, regrettably,” noted Gheorghe Cojocaru.

Asked what role these statements on the union have when they are symbolical, but also generate a wave of criticism and dissatisfaction on the part of the forces of the left, the historian said this is a right of these people, who are citizens of the Republic of Moldova. This is the right to show the feelings in a legal and peaceful environment, without obstructing the work of mayor’s offices or local councils and without endangering the management of public affairs in general.