Currently, there is no clear truth about May 9 and the events that should be celebrated on this day. In the Republic of Moldova, most of the holidays inherited from the past are ideological in character. Given such a situation, the Democratic Party (PDM) promoted the idea of celebrating both Victory Day and Europe Day on May 9 so as to reconcile society.
The opinion was stated by the PDM’s spokesman Vitalie Gamurari in a public debate entitled “May 9 – holiday that unites and divides” that was organized by IPN News Agency and Radio Moldova. According to him, since the declaration of the country’s independence, Moldovan society has been divided, including on the subject of May 9.
“There is no clear truth about this day at present. We remained with that May 9 tradition from the Soviet period and a large part of society accept to celebrate Victory Day on this day. On the other hand, for the Republic of Moldova everything that is related to the European concept is very important given that it clearly declared its European integration course. Here we should also examine the practice of other states and see what they celebrate on this day. In the given case, Europe Day is celebrated,” stated Vitalie Gamurari.
He also said that the celebration of the two holidays on May 9 is, on the one hand, an attempt to reconcile society. On the other hand, those who died in World War II are commemorated on this day. In the Republic of Moldova, most of the inherited holidays are ideological in character.
“It would have been good if there had been clear scientific explanations as to this day. But this couldn’t have led to the real conciliation of society either. Moldovan society is so divided that a dialogue on taboo topics is not wanted. During 26 years, attempts have been made to get at a particular truth, but this cannot lead to real reconciliation. To a great extent, we are influenced by the nostalgia for the Soviet Union,” concluded Vitalie Gamurari.
The public debate “May 9 – holiday that unites and divides” is the 72nd installment of the series of debates “Developing political culture by public debates” that are staged with assistance from the Hanns Seidel Foundation of Germany.
