Moldova’s economic ‘miracle’ – “Export of Moldovans – import of goods” – the only achievement of the ruling party. Info-Prim Neo Interview with Dumitru Braghis, president of the Social Democratic Party

[- How was the political year 2008 for Moldova and what forecasts do you have for 2009?] - For openers, let me congratulate heartily all the citizens of the country on the New Year holidays and the Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and to wish them happiness, confidence in the future and new achievements. The year of renovation has come. Let the year 2009 bring peace and harmony to your homes. Now, what can I say about the political year 2008? I’m experiencing a feeling of sadness and underachievement. It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth when I see Moldova’s citizens struggling with poverty and incertitude, everyday worries and hardship. It is with confusion that I observe the detachment of the ruling party and of the present government from the problems of the population, their small-minded attitude towards the potential effects of the global financial and economical crisis on our country. That is why, in the context of the present government’s performance, the Social-Democrat MPs didn’t participate in the Parliament’s last meeting this year, in protest against the irresponsible attitude of the parliamentary majority to the multiple legislative proposals put forward by the Social-Democrats throughout the year. In particular, I wish to mention the refusal to draft and adopt urgently a national anti-crisis plan; the refusal to freeze privatization deals involving property of strategic importance for the national economy until the crisis ends; and the negative response to the Social-Democrats' initiative to create an independent agency for the consumer rights protection. [- The year 2008 completes eight years of government for the Communists' Party and two consecutive terms for President Vladimir Voronin. What distinctive features marked this period?] - The Communists' Party (PCRM) has been ruling the country for eight years now. We all see the results of their protracted government: political stagnation, suppression of the opponents who express opinions different from that of the Communists, the total collapse of the national industry, excessive bureaucracy constraining the business sector, rampant corruption and misappropriation among those who should protect the national interests. And this happens in times when the country's economy is upheld merely by remittances from 'gastarbeiters' – Moldovan nationals who went abroad to do low-paid, menial jobs, often exposing their lives and health to dangers. The time of Moldova's economic 'miracle' - “Export of Moldovans – import of goods” - has gone. This has been the only accomplishment of the ruling party and Tarlev's (e.n. – Vasile Tarlev), who was their prime minster for eight years. Today he calls himself the leader of the so-called Centrists and vows support to the domestic producers, whereas not long ago he was throttling the national production by supporting the imports of goods and food. [- What are you expecting from the parliamentary elections next spring and what will their effects be on Moldova?] Today the Social Democratic Party (PSD) shows constant growth. The party is joined by new people, our ideas find support in various categories of population. This makes us confident that in the upcoming legislative elections the PSD will poll no less than 15 percent of the votes, and this translates to 20 seats in parliament. Without PSD's participation, no president will be elected for the country. Without PSD, no Government will be formed. In both cases, for PSD, the starting point in negotiations will be the unanimous approval of an anti-crisis program and of the following principle: “:Less politics, more economy”. We consider that exactly this principle reflects the national interest of the country in the present circumstances. That is why we firmly believe that the next Government, in its ideology, will be Social Democratic. I truly hope that the year 2009 will be the Year of Moldova's renewal and that the next Government will make everything possible to ensure a better life for all.