Moldovan expats in EU, Canada or US feel the difference on return, diaspora leader

Those who spend a while in Western European countries or in such countries as the United States or Canada come back home with a whole new experience and a different frame of mind, said Ala Mandacanu, president of the Moldovan Community of Quebec and spokesperson for the Diaspora Coordinating Council. “Those who return, even briefly, can immediately feel differences in such areas as human rights, the relationship between the state and the citizen, or the judiciary”, she told an interview with Info-Prim Neo, {published on December 24} as part of the “Year 2012 in Moldova’s and Moldovans’ life” Series. “While Moldovan migrants in CIS countries are used to frequent violations of economic nature, to corruption and to the subjugation of the judiciary to political interests, those who return from EU countries or the United States or Canada cannot accept to be treated in a way that contravenes the Constitution or international law. “When Moldova is ready to integrate into the European Union and its citizens at all levels learn to stick to the same rules that are based on lawfulness, equity and transparency, then the differences that keep thousands of Moldovans away from home will disappear as well. At least, I hope this is what will happen in the next 5 or 10 years”. Valentina Mandacanu argued that the binary paradigm of migration – permanent and temporary emigration – is no longer true for Moldova. “Today we have a new paradigm, a circular migration, when people leave and return, without losing connection with the native country and maintaining close affective, economic and cultural ties with Moldova”. Valentina Mandacanu noted that human resources are the most precious asset of a nation. “Apparently the departure of people from Moldova is a negative phenomenon. However, as I mentioned earlier, due to the fact that we have a circular migration, I think the experience, the knowledge and the managerial skills our citizens acquire abroad can be put to good use”. She said that Moldova's EU membership someday could have significant positive effects as regards migration. “ Families will reintegrate, children will be reunited with their mothers, spouses will no longer live separated for indefinite periods. The spirit of the European civilization will circulate more freely in Moldova. European laws will significantly reduce Soviet and communist practices which are still enduring in Chisinau. Corruption will be curbed dramatically. Human rights will advance to a whole new level. The Romanian language will be given its due. That's how I see things”. The “Year 2012 in Moldova’s and Moldovans life” Series, which was launched on December 6, presents the opinions of 12 interviewees about the highlights of the passing year. The interview with Ala Mandacanu, the president of the Moldovan Community of Quebec, is the eight interview of the series.