"It is an alternative bloc for the Kremlin and, in some cases, a defense of Plahotniuc and Shor's interests." "It is important that an alternative emerges in Moldova on the pro-EU segment". These are some of the public reactions following the announcement of the creation of the political bloc Alternative, IPN reports.
PAS deputy Lilian Carp, chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense, and Public Order, stated that Ion Ceban, Alexandr Stoianoglo, Ion Chicu, and Mark Tkaciuk did not unite by chance. "Throughout their political careers, they have been largely affiliated with Russia and, at times, with Plahotniuc. It is important to note that all of them had ties to Plahotniuc at some stage, perhaps with the exception of Tkaciuk, but the others certainly did", Carp said.
According to him, this bloc represents "the Kremlin’s alternative". "What is happening with this bloc’s creation is that Russia now wants to change the actors. They understand that Șor is no longer as credible and is, in fact, limiting their electoral base. Through this move, Moscow is trying to create an alternative that could expand its electoral reach. We must understand that this is an alternative bloc for the Kremlin and, to some extent, a defense of Plahotniuc and Shor’s interests", the deputy stated in a Facebook live broadcast.
PSRM leader Igor Dodon also reacted, wishing them "good luck." "In politics, it is important to reach the destination you set out for. I wish all opposition colleagues a smooth journey. We must not lose sight of our common goal – liberating the country from PAS's dictatorship. And in the autumn elections, we will count the effects of our decisions and actions", Dodon declared.
Another reaction came from Dragos Galbur, president of the Moldovan National Party, who hinted that this might be a project of former Democratic Party leader Vlad Plahotniuc. "Chicu, Stoianoglo, Ceban, and Tkaciuk announce the creation of the Alternative political bloc. Plaha is back!" Galbur wrote on Facebook.
Recently, Irina Vlah, leader of the Heart of Moldova Party, urged the leaders of three political formations—Igor Dodon (PSRM), Ion Ceban (MAN), and Renato Usatîi (PPPN)—to sign a pact committing not to form a coalition with PAS in the next Parliament. The only one who agreed to sign this public commitment was Igor Dodon. Renato Usatii dismissed Irina Vlah’s initiative as a PR stunt aimed at promoting her newly created party, while Ion Ceban stated that MAN has its own agenda and will continue to be guided solely by the interests of the citizens and the country.
