This year will be quite difficult for Moldova given the upcoming election that nobody knew about a year ago, thinks the political pundit Leonid Litra. In an interview with RFE/RL's Moldovan service, he said the presidential election would cause “significant political agitation” and changes in relations with all kinds of actors that influence our country.
“I see how, in a somewhat electoral context, the dialogue is changing with Russia. In the same context, statements are being made about a potential application for EU membership. My impression is that all these discussions are being initiated precisely in the context of the presidential election to be held in autumn. And, in light of this, I don't think this is going to be an easy year”, said Litra.
However, he thinks this year will be relatively stable, as far as stability is possible in Moldova. “When I say stability, I mean the continuation of the current government's work, the government's capacity to fulfill its duties, at lest until the presidential vote. After that, we'll see whether the political configuration changes significantly and popular discontent remains the same, and the political crisis continues. I don't think early general elections are just a matter of theory, really”.
Compounding the political situation, added Leonid Litra, are the current economic woes. Further, he said there's an urgent need to depoliticize the law-enforcement, the judiciary and the media in addition to de-oligarchization efforts.