Russian language is element of election campaign

The granting of the status of second official language to Russian is an electoral act, say representatives of the Alliance for European Integration. Yesterday, a number of ethnic groups headed by the “Novaya Gagauzia” Movement, which is led by the Mayor of Comrat Nicolai Dudoglo, proposed holding a referendum to decide the status of the Russian language, Info-Prim Neo reports. Asked to comment on this initiative, Acting President Mihai Ghimpu, the leader of the Liberal Party, said Moldova is a democratic country and everybody is free to express one's wishes, but it is the Parliament that takes decisions. “It is an electoral idea that has been used by politicians after the 1990s to win votes. Unfortunately, some people believe such tricks,” he said. The Democrats' leader Marian Lupu said there are yet no circumstances in Moldova showing we have real bilingualism. “It is a subject that should be examined, but not for electoral purposes,” he stated. The parliamentary Opposition is also against amending the Constitution by referendum.”The Constitution of Moldova can be modified only in Parliament,” said Communist lawmaker Grigore Petrenko, specifying this is also a recommendation made by the Venice Commission. A national forum will take place in Comrat town on September 24. An initiative group that will collect signatures in support of holding the referendum will be set up there.