The subject of the language spoken on the territory of the Republic of Moldova became a reason for dispute in electoral debates. Some of the contenders turned Romanian into a campaign subject, noting that if they enter Parliament, they will insist on punishing those who do not obey the Constitution and call the official language ‘Romanian’, IPN reports.

Even if in the debates the representative of the Party of Regions presented the party’s electoral program in Russian, Alexandr Kalinin said their party will seek the introduction of punishment for those who do not obey Article 13 of the Supreme Law, which provides that Moldovan is the official language.

“We are the party that will ensure consensus in society. Everyone speculates on the national identity issue. We will offer the Russian language the status of the second official language. We will make sure that all the citizens enjoy possibilities for speaking the official language – Moldovan – and all those who call the Moldovan language ‘Romanian’ should be held accountable, including legally. If you live on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, you must respect this state,” candidate for MP of the Party of Regions Alexandr Kalinin stated in the electoral debates “You vote for you on ProTV Chisinau.

The representative of Moldova’s Patriots Party Sergei Perciun supported the rhetoric of the Party of Regions, noting they want Moldova to integrate into the post-Soviet area.

“Our priority is to reintroduce the Moldovan language and history so that we develop as our Moldovan ancestors did, with the Moldovan language, the history of Moldova. We should renounce this Romanian-unionist element that divides society. We can develop only if we benefit from the Russian market,” stated Sergei Perciun.

The representative of the Party of Law and Justice spoke about the development of the economy by ensuring the rule of law. According to Constantin Lupu, an independent justice sector will offer economic development opportunities.

“Foreign companies will come to invest in the Republic of Moldova, but not until the law for some is law, while for others is it not. Any company that comes to the country needs predictability for at least five years. If the tax rate for the hospitality industry, for example, is changed annually, investors will definitely not come to the country” stated Constantin Lupu.

Among the priorities of the party led by the ex-acting mayor of Chisinau Ruslan Codreanu are to exclude the payment of salaries “in envelope” and to support the socially deprived groups.

“We aim to offer social assistance to the most vulnerable ones, to ensure decentralization so that the money reaches directly the mayor’s offices and the mayors can manage the situation in the settlements where they were elected. The underground economy that represents 1/3 of the economy of the Republic of Moldova should be combated,” noted Ruslan Codreanu, who runs for MP on behalf of the People Power Party.

The electoral debates “You vote for you on ProTV” are produced by ProTV Chisinau in cooperation with Promo-LEX Association, RFE/RL’s Moldovan Service, the portal Anticorupție.md, the online publication NewsMaker, IPN News Agency and the portal Privesc.eu.