Expert Igor Boțan said he is full as skepticism about Moldova’s prospects following the COVID-19 pandemic as a series of things haven’t been done on time and properly. It is not yet late to intervene as the novel coronavirus does not recede. First of all, people’s opinions should be remodeled by persuading them that the virus is dangerous and combating measures are needed. The expert made such statements in the public debate “COVID-19: Memories of the Future or what History teaches us?” that was staged by IPN News Agency.

IPN project’s standing expert Igor Boțan said the whole society should realize the eventual social dangers deriving from the pandemic and should take prophylaxis, hygiene and other measures. “There are many examples in the previous pandemics showing that people’s responsibility is essential. But polls show that 30% of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova do not believe in the existence of the novel coronavirus, considering this is conspiracy. Moreover, these 30% of the people are active and often aggressive and this has an impact on the whole society,” he stated.

He noted that this year is difficult from the agricultural viewpoint, but the people in rural areas live with the resources accumulated in summer. Social outbursts in society are thus possible. The school year is approaching and serious concerns appear as most of the teachers are persons of the risk group owing to their age.

The campaign prior to the presidential elections will soon start and extraordinary scandals related to the collection of the 20,000 signatures for registering candidates are expected as protection measures will be needed among the persons who will collect signatures and also among the people who will sign.

In another development, the expert said the President’s rating in spring was twice higher than now. “He assumed the role of coordinator in the fight against the pandemic, convoked the Supreme Security Council and then forget about the fight against the pandemic. He was permanently at the Common Command Center and then saw that his intervention does not bring the long-awaited victory against the pandemic and shifted the responsibility onto the doctors who now have to fight to the limit in the created situation,” concluded Igor Boțan.

The debate “COVID-19: Memories of the Future or what History teaches us?” was the 146th installment of the debates project “Developing political culture through public debates” that is supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation.