Moldova needs the help of Washington and other Western capitals to solidify our transition from several decades of communism into a free-market democracy, said Prime Minister Pavel Filip in a blog piece published in the online version of the American political newspaper The Hill.
“For Moldova, integration into the Euro-Atlantic community is more than a diplomatic initiative or an economic expedient. It is a journey to our natural home -- the community of nations engaging in free enterprise, committed to better lives for their people and respecting the rule of law”, says Pavel Filip.
“My country, Moldova, has long been forced to steer between Russia and the West. For Americans who cannot find Moldova on a map, here’s why that matters: In 10 weeks, Moldova’s voters will elect a new President who favors either remaining on the pro-Western government’s path toward the European Union (EU) or veering more closely toward Russia’s orbit.
I am pleased to say that through elections and international agreements, we have steadfastly chosen the Euro-Atlantic community as our inspiration and destination, and the current government is dedicated to securing our EU path. Moscow is none too pleased, and that is why we need the help of Washington and other Western capitals to solidify our transition from several decades of communism into a free-market democracy”, added the prime minister.
Pavel Filip further mentions two instances of negative influence exerted from outside: “Meanwhile, early this summer Russia conducted military exercises in Transnistria, a breakaway region within Moldova’s recognized international borders – barely 30 miles from our capital of Chisinau – that has been under the Kremlin’s control for more than two decades. Russia’s soft power – using its propaganda machine to flood our media with anti-Western messages – is equally dangerous and a clear effort to tarnish our pro-EU government and throw the upcoming election to its political allies”.
Talking about internal issues, the prime minister highlighted in particular the banking crisis that triggered social protests and political instability, as well as the government’s efforts to fight corruption.