508 years since Stephen the Great's death

The government leaders laid flowers at the monument of Stephen the Great in the center of the capital, today, July 2, marking 508 years since the death of the great ruler, Info-Prim Neo reports. Asked by the press if Moldova needs a Stephen the Great as head of the state, Speaker Marian Lupu answered that at the moment Moldova, like any other country, needed a government corresponding to the requirements of the time, meaning a democratic, efficient and European one. “Stephen the Great ruled in a historical time and any government should follow the guidance left by the great ruler”, said the Speaker. President Nicolae Timofti told the press that his biggest victory during the first 100 days of the mandate was the political stability in the country. Prime Minister Vlad Filat agreed that Moldova scored good results, but unfortunately these were appreciated better aboard than in the country. Filat hopes that the Moldovans will learn to enjoy the achievements. “Otherwise, it will be hard to build a state of law and welfare in such a negative atmosphere”, he warned. One of those who laid flowers at the Moldovan ruler’s monument was the leader of the Communist Party. Vladimir Voronin said that a Stephen the Great was needed to reintegrate the country, to unite society and strengthen the statehood and independence of the country. The last years of Stephen the Great’s reign were peaceful. The prince who called himself ruler from God’s mercy in official papers is said to have raised a church or monastery after each won battle, reaching the number of 44. Old and suffering from gout, he had a leg amputated. After a 47 years long reign (1457-1504), which was incredibly long at the time, Stephen the Great passed away on July 2, 1504.