The political elite in Moldova exploit the authentic interest of Brussels in strengthening stability and its commitment to implement the Association Agreements and the existence of “frozen conflicts” and the risk of separatism to achieve narrow political objectives, expert in political sciences Dionis Cenusay says in an analysis article for IPN News Agency.
The politologist wrote that similar to the Western Balkan states, Moldova suffers because of “stabilitocracy”. This term describes the support provided by the EU and U.S. to some of the Western Balkan states that, even if they weaken the democratic constructions, are considered useful because they ensure relative stability and security in the region.
According to Cenusa, in Moldova “stabilitocracy” became more evident after 2009, when the pro-European coalitions resorted to different reforms promised to the EU, but didn’t give up the corruptible practices and the practice of deviating from democratic “limitations and balances”.
Currently, the principles of “stabilitocracy” are used by the Democratic Party (PDM) to remain in power after the elections of 2018, said the expert, referring to the re-launch of sector reforms (banking, foreign trade, energy, etc.) and stabilization of the situation in the country in the absence of progress in efficiently fighting corruption or ensuring the rule of law.
The politologist considers the way in which the EU reacts to the introduction of the mixed electoral system will show if “stabilitocracy” advances in relation to Moldova or not. Besides criticizing the change in the electoral system, the EU should freeze the allocation of €100 million in macro-financial assistance.
The expert noted that besides postponing the provision of macro-financial assistance, “stabilitocracy” can be rooted out by improving the system of conditionality elements and ensuring the flexibility of financing in the long term, which should be easily operationalized and stopped as easily if the European values are abandoned.
