Ensuring the supremacy of law and democracy, as well as fighting corruption, are key elements of Moldova’s European road. Without them, European integration is illusory. However, for Moldova these things are on the shelf of challenges and not that of achievements. The opinions have been shared during a forum organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) in Chisinau, IPN reports.
Hans Martin Sieg, director of the KAS branch in Romania and Moldova, said that European integration in Moldova is talked about in geopolitical terms, which isn’t wrong. Nonetheless, the essence of European integration is internal transformation. This is necessary to ensure the rule of law and democracy. Hans Martin Sieg underlined that the success of Moldova’s European ambitions depends on changes that would ensure democracy, rule of law, a free economy and so on. Without them, European integration lacks substance. „When we talk about Moldova, it would be honest to admit that we talk more about problems and challenges than achievements”, said the KAS director.
European MP Elmar Brok from the EPP group agreed that the rule of law is at the core of all European ideals. The supremacy of law also means fighting corruption, these two things being interconnected. There can be no credible fight against corruption and good laws as long as there is no credible judiciary. The European Commission said the support for Moldova depends on the achievements regarding the rule of law. This means that the government shouldn’t be content with approving various platforms and programs, but should implement them, thinks the European MP. Elmar Brok also chipped in about the electoral reform, which he thinks follows certain goals that undermine democracy and the people’s trust.
Opposition parties were also present at the event. Liberal Democrat deputy leader, MP Vadim Pistrinciuc, recalled that Moldova had been a champion within the Eastern Partnership, but then had some ups and downs. Recently, the EU unblocked the financial assistance to Moldova and the authorities are trying to convince the people that it’s the dawn of a new age for democracy and European transformation in Moldova.
Maia Sandu, president of the Action and Solidarity Party, stressed that European integration doesn’t mean only money for Moldova’s needs, but also respecting human rights and ensuring equality before the law, things currently missing in our country. „When the government talks about its commitment to the process of European integration and its worries that we might deviate from this path because of pro-Russian forces, I wonder: do the democratic processes in Moldova prove that we are moving towards the EU?”, asked Sandu. She thinks democracy in Moldova is currently facing its greatest threat since Independence.
Andrei Nastase, leader of the Truth and Dignity Platform Party, said that the discussion about European integration should focus more on values and not on those who do or don’t share and promote them. In his view, the idea of European integration in Moldova has been compromised by undermining the rule of law mechanisms, with grave consequences, and the institutions that should ensure the rule of law have been politicized and captured.
