“2015 was a year with many challenges. We were witnesses to many things that, sincerely speaking, I consider tragic for the people of Moldova – one is the economic loss by the banking scandal and the other one is the instability in government,” U.S. Ambassador to Moldova James Pettit said in an interview for Radio Free Europe. According to the diplomat, Moldova needs a functional government and a political class that would react to the needs of the people, IPN reports.

The ambassador stated that the solutions for Moldova must come from inside. The international development partners are in the Republic of Moldova to help facilitate reforms and progress, from political and economic viewpoints, but the wish must come from the people of Moldova and must be reflected in what the government does for the people.

As to the reforms that were to be done in Moldova in time, James Pettit said the cost paid by the people of Moldova for the lack of reforms is evident. “Moldova is regretfully considered the poorest state in Europe. There are no reasons for this because other former Soviet republics cope very well and are already in the European Union. The non-implementation of reforms will lead to the continuation of massive corruption and thefts. This will hamper the economic development of Moldova and will make the attraction of investment from inside and outside impossible,” stated James Pettit.

The ambassador noted it is important for the Moldovan people not to lose hope as the country has enormous potential and this potential resides in the people of Moldova. The people can solve the problems by demanding that the government they chose should satisfy their needs. The government must work for the people, not for the enrichment of those who form part of it.

James Pettit also said that regardless of what is happening in the country, the U.S. maintains its presence here, continues the assistance programs and does everything possible to help Moldova succeed as its people deserve it.