U.S. Ambassador to Moldova James D. Pettit considers that Moldova needs a President who will not be supported by the ruling parties so that this ensures political balance. The official made such a statement in the program “Moldova live” on the public TV channel Moldova 1, IPN reports.

“It is less important if the future head of state is of the left or of the right. Emphasis should be placed on the people, not on political parties. There are pressing problems that need to be solved: corruption and poor governance. I think a President who will not be supported by the ruling parties will be able to ensure political and social balance. We hope a President with innovative ideas will be chosen,” said the U.S. diplomat.

James D. Pettit considers the Constitutional Court’s judgment by which the people’s right to elect the head of state was restored is beneficial to the people even if it seems to be controversial. “The given decision offers the Moldovan citizens who want to choose the President themselves a level of satisfaction. The election of the President by direct vote will also avoid political stalemates related to the election of the head of state,” he stated.

Asked about the Central Election Commission’s refusal to accept the initiative of the Platform “Dignity and Truth” to hold a constitutional referendum, James D. Pettit said it is important to obey the law. “There are constitutional norms and legal provisions that must be respected. I understood that the problem resides not in the total number of collected signatures, but in the fact that a particular number of signatures were to be collected from different settlements,” said the U.S. Ambassador.

As to the large theft committed in the Moldovan banking system, James D. Pettit said the money will most probably not be fully restored. “It’s clear that such a sum could not be stolen by one person. I think it will be impossible to restore the whole sum. Most probably a part of the money will be restored, but it will be very hard,” he stated.