Even if it comes with delay, the first installment of the EU macro-financial assistance has already an electoral connotation, expert in political sciences Denis Cenusa says in an analysis article for IPN Agency.
The author considers the lack of a concrete date when the first installment of the macro-financial assistance will be disbursed is a real blow to the image of the Moldovan government. The European institutions practically refused to validate the first installment for the reason that the Moldovan authorities have shortcomings in fulfilling a sector condition.
In fact, the main objection of the Europeans contains dissatisfaction with the functionality of the National Integration Authority that plays a systemic role in fighting political corruption. If this institution is not made operational by this July, the EU could transfer the disbursement of the first installment to September.
According to the expert, for the Moldovan government the fastest provision of the first installment is of major importance as this allows performing political maneuvers in a crucial electoral year.
Known for the attempts to adopt counter-reforms, the ruling party could deviate from the current commitments to the EU related to the democratic institutions.
That’s why the obtaining of money until July will offer the Democrats time for adjusting the pace and direction of reforms without risking losing the first installment of the macro-financial assistance.
On the other hand, the transferring of the disbursement of the first installment to autumn is not fully wanted by the EU either.
When being provided before the elections, the assistance can become an administrative resource in the hands of the government and could also be used by the pro-Russian forces as a reason for accusing the EU of trying to influence the Moldovans’ vote, concluded Denis Cenusa.
