Some experts think that the former government can boast some pariseworthy accomplishments in 2014, while other say that it has been year of failures for the parties in power, who will be happy to turn the page in the New Year. The experts assessed the performance of the government during the “Replica” talk-show on Prime TV, IPN reports.
Former Liberal Reformist MP Ana Gutu said 2014 was a turning year for Moldova thanks to the EU Association Agreement. “Association with the EU and the liberalization of the visa regime are important achievements of the former government. It's not true that we obtained these results only thanks to our geographic position and geopolitical situation. We assumed some commitments and we fulfilled them. If we hadn't, then there would have been no Association Agreement or visa liberalization”, said Ana Gutu.
As regards Moldova's relations with Russia, Gutu thinks that Russia can't be considered a strategic partner for Moldova anymore. “All the embargoes and restrictions Moscow has put against us are trifles compared to the geopolitical problems it caused”, said the ex-MP.
Political pundit Oazu Nantoi described 2014 as a turbulent year for Moldova. “As a citizen, I hoped the law enforcement bodies would overcome their weakness and would react differently to the problems in Gagauzia. Still, it's commendable that they reacted and avoided an armed conflict. Concerning the Russian embargoes, I think the farmers should protest and bring their unsold harvest outside the Russian Embassy, not in front of the Government. It's obvious that Russia cannot be our main partner anymore. Russia has entered a long term crisis. In no other year have so many Russians left Russia, withdrawing their capital from country”, explained Nantoi.
Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Valeriu Ostalep thinks 2014 has been one of the most difficult years for Moldova. “We hope that next year we'll do more economy. And the main task will be to restore relations with Russia. What our farmers have lost in 2014 is nothing compared to what they will lose in 2015 if the Moldovan authorities don't find a way to reach an understanding with Moscow”, warns Ostalep.
Sergiu Nazaria, chairman of the Association of Historians and Political Scientists “PRO Moldova”, was the most critical in his assessment and called 2014 "a wasted year".
