Independent MP Ion Groza, who was elected in single-member constituency Cahul, decided to join the parliamentary group of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS). The announcement was made in a news conference held alongside leaders of PAS on May 13, IPN reports.

PAS leader Maia Sandu said that Ion Groza represents the pro-European voters of Cahul district. He supported all the initiatives of the PAS in Parliament. In the local elections, Groza and his team cooperated fruitfully with the PAS and the party achieved a very good result. “Today we are glad to announce this decision. In these difficult times, it is very important to combine forces and to show unity and solidary. We know that Mister Groza shares the PAS’ view concerning the development of the Republic of Moldova and the democratic views,” stated Maia Sandu.

For his part, Ion Groza noted that he discussed with his local team this decision that was taken after serving as an independent MP for a year, after analyzing the situation in the country and after having discussions with the voters in Cahul. “Analyzing the current political situation, I realized that the parliamentary majority and the government should be imperatively reformed,” said the MP, adding that the PAS has the best potential in this regard.

Teacher of theology Ion Groza ran as an independent in the parliamentary elections of last February. He headed a Christian foundation and was the chief priest of a church. For over ten years, he had worked for the district Firefighting Service. He entered politics in 2000. He was a member of the Our Moldova Alliance. After the Alliance merged with the Liberal Democratic Party (PLDM), he became a member of this party. In 2000 - 2015, he served as a district councilor. He headed the Cahu Local Organization of the PLDM. After the local elections of 2015, he was elected head of Cahul district.

The parliamentary group of the Action and Solidarity Party will now have 15 members.