The fact that the Republic of Moldova obtained the EU candidate status is not the result of systemic reforms and efforts to develop the country. It is a political decision taken in a tense geopolitical context, the opposition Party of Socialists (PSRM) noted in a press release.

“We are sure that the EU leaders know how much democracy and life degraded in the Republic of Moldova, but the geopolitical interest pushed them towards this circumstantial decision. As a decision based rather on momentary political calculations was taken, the general euphoria fuelled by the current government, which treats this event as historic, as a great success of the government and as a big merit of the citizens, this is condemnable. First of all, we invite the citizens to be vigilant to this accession illusion created in the propaganda laboratories of the current government. Everyone knows, and on Thursday the European leaders emphasized this in particular, that the candidate status does not mean immediate accession to the EU. The process can last for years and can remain without an end result,” runs the statement.

According to PSRM, on June 23, 2022 the citizens of the Republic of Moldova became hostage to long geopolitical games in which they were involved without their will and without being asked in a referendum if they accept to be “pieces in this game”.

“In this connection, we want to note a very important thing that the government intentionally omits in the public narrative. The integration into the EU implies the concession of a part of national sovereignty. In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, the sovereignty belongs to the people. That’s why the decision to concede a part of sovereignty by assuming the European road was to be consulted with all the people by a national referendum. The will expressed by the people would have had historic legitimacy. Instead, we witnessed a political and symbolic decision for a four-year electoral cycle,” said the party.

It noted it is antidemocratic to impose on society a development path that does not enjoy the unanimous support of the people. Opinion polls show society is divided exactly into two. Ignoring the viewpoint of half of the country’s citizens implies major risks.

According to PSRM, the government should now concentrate its efforts on overcoming the internal crises that already became systemic and affect each citizen apart. What the current government and the political elite did until now was to mimic reforms and to imitate the solving of the socioeconomic crisis.

The Republic of Moldova submitted an application for EU membership on March 3, following the example of Ukraine and Georgia. European Council President Charles Michel announced the decision to grant Moldova and Ukraine the EU candidate status on June 23 at a summit in Brussels, calling it a historic moment. “Today marks a crucial step on your path towards the EU,” Michel said. “Our future is together.”