IPN Agency reacted to the concerns expressed by Moldovan society, which fears that the day of May 9 may be used by different circles of interest as a pretext for particular kinds of provocations and for causing destabilization in Moldova. The concerns seem sufficiently justified in the context of the profound regional crisis that affects Moldova too. The given mini-series will present the opinions of representatives of central and local public authorities, of political parties and analysts and the measures by which the possible provocations can be prevented or annihilated.
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In the current regional situation, Russia will not hesitate to profit from the day of May 9 to ostentatiously show the influence it has on Moldova, considers Lina Grau, expert of the Foreign Policy Association (APE). Asked by IPN to pronounce on the issue, she said the concerns about possible provocations on May 9 are fully justified given the situation in the region.
“Regretfully, the probability that conflicts will be avoided on this day is the lowest. The date of May 9 always aroused controversy in Moldovan society. The Soviet-style commemoration events with red flags always disgusted the pro-European side of society, especially the young people and the Romanian-language speaker. They prefer Moldova to celebrate Europe Day on May 9, alongside the European community which our country hopes to join,” stated Lina Grau.
She is convinced that on May 9 we will witness the mobilization of the pro-Russian parties, the young people and the part of civil society that are financed by Moscow. They will march through public places all over the country, carrying red flags and bicolor black and orange ribbons. “A small rehearsal took place on May 5, when a ribbon of several dozen meters was stretched around the Government Building. The demonstration will serve as a background for the visit to Tiraspol by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitrii Rogozin, who is known for his threats to the pro-European course of Chisinau,” said Lina Grau. She expressed her fear that there may be provocations aimed at causing conflicts or even confrontation and at increasing tensions to the maximum.
Lina Grau stated she would like the Moldovan authorities to have clarified the May 9 subject long ago. The cohesion of the political class was needed to declare this day a day of European solidarity. “Unfortunately, now we are in a very unfavorable moment to do this. What the authorities can do now is to make effort to keep the situation under control, not to stir things up and to prevent violence,” she added.
The expert believes that May 9 will reveal the division degree of the Moldovan society, on the one hand, and the geopolitical offensive of Russia aimed at restoring the former USSR, on the other hand. The next six months will be decisive for Moldova’s European course and will determine its future over the next decades.
A number of political parties announced their programs for May 9. Some of them celebrate the Day of Victory over fascism, while others Europe Day.
Mariana Galben, IPN
IPN Note: IPN Agency also invited to take part in this mini-series the Government of Moldova, the Ministry of the Interior, the Information and Communication Service, the Chisinau City Hall, the mayor’s office of Comrat municipality, the mayor’s office of Balti municipality, the Ungheni mayor’s office, the political parties that intend to stage events on May 9, political analysts and other public figures of Moldova.
