The European Parliament’s rapporteur for the Republic of Moldova Petras Auštrevičius said that he and many of his colleagues were very disappointed at the comments they heard in Chisinau, especially from the representatives of the government coalition, about the debates held in the EP and the resolution adopted by this on July 5. In an interview for Radio Free Europe, following critical reactions to the EP’s resolution in Chisinau, the MEP said the EU had no intention of interfering in the juridical affairs and procedures of the Moldovan tribunals, IPN reports.

Instead, the MEPs had a multitude of reasons to state their concerns and disappointment with the way in which the Moldovan judiciary took the decisions to invalidate the Chisinau early mayoral elections, stated Petras Auštrevičius. “In a way, this is an example of violation of the rule of law, of an irrational approach, of a biased decision, especially because such cases weren’t tried and such decisions weren’t taken earlier,” said the MEP.

Petras Auštrevičius also said the MEPs were very surprised by the official Chisinau’s reaction following the recommendation to the European Commission to suspend financing to Moldova. An explanation is that the elites ruling in Moldova want to find someone who would answer for the poor management and fully chaotic situation created in the justice and political sectors following the incredible decisions taken by the Moldovan courts of law. “I think they look for a scapegoat outside the country and blame foreign influences and interference in Moldovan politics, but this is fully mistaken. They should focus on themselves and should go on with reforms. Instead of looking for someone whom they could blame, they should improve the judiciary system, ensure the rule of law and democratic procedures,” he noted.

Petras Auštrevičius said he does not believe that the Moldovans are delighted at the political situation and the results achieved by the government, at least until now, and it is not right to accuse the EU of being too harsh and too categorical towards Moldova. But the EU should obey the political reality in Moldova and should cooperate with the current government as this has all the powers at domestic level.