Moldova’s independence cost our people too much, member of the first Parliament Ludmila Scalnyi said in an interview for the public radio station Radio Moldova, IPN reports.

“It was a hard fight. Not only those from my generation, but also our parents and grandparents and all those who were under Soviet occupation struggled for independence,” said the former lawmaker.

Ludmila Scalnyi also said that before the signing of the Declaration of Independence on August 27, 1991, great pressure had been exerted on her so as to make her not to sign. She was even threatened with death. “I was insulted, brutalized and offended with the rudest words. They threatened to shoot me. On the eve of August 27, somebody phoned me home and told me that they know where my children studied and, if I sign for independence, I might not see them anymore,” she stated.

Ludmila Scalnyi expressed her regret at the fact that the aspirations of those who signed the Declaration of Independence were not achieved. “Our people has a hard life. Very hideous things happen. Regretfully, we have politicians who can do anything for money,” she said. However, she expressed her satisfaction with the fact that the country is slowly coming closer to Europe and called on the authorities not to forget about the relations of friendship with countries from other continents.

While a member of Moldova’s first Parliament, Ludmila Scalnyi signed the Declaration of Independence. For over two decades, she has headed the Women’s Association of Moldova.