President Igor Dodon thinks that now, when the country, the political class and society are all divided by opposed geopolitical currents, when people are caught in conflicts and enmity, there is only one wise solution – to focus on the development of Moldova, outside of any geopolitical discussions. In an interview with IPN, on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of Moldovan Independence, he suggested all geopolitical debates should be banned in order to calm the spirits in society.
“Only after we improve the quality of life and reduce the level of corruption, when we have more clarity and calm, we can return to these discussions, if necessary. Now we must work for Moldova, not for integration in the West or the East. This is the only way to reach a national political consensus and avoid getting entangled in dangerous geopolitical and military games. But are the parliamentary majority and the rightist opposition able to hear this message?”, asked the President.
Igor Dodon said that people anywhere in the world are too different in their preferences and opinions, especially in a democracy where pluralism of ideas and opinions is allowed. In a country like Moldova, divided by identity, geopolitical and ideological lines, it’s impossible to satisfy everyone. It’s not realistic to be seen as a president of everyone, even though it’s goal worth striving for, at least as an unreachable ideal, explained the head of the state.
“In this situation, I’m more focused on being a President of Moldova, on the fundamental interests of the state. I was elected by a strong majority of voters, who chose me to represent the country and its interests, not only a certain category of citizens. And this is how I work. I’m promoting a series of concepts that are vital to the Moldovan statehood, integrity and identity. This is what matters, regardless of the reputation I gained among some “elite circles”, who analyze my activity through the lenses of the grants they receive for ‘civic activism’”, said the President.
Speaking about the change of the voting system, he said that it is meant to offer the people more freedom in choosing their MPs, more democracy. This will also make possible to involve in the decision-making process local leaders from districts, representatives of the diaspora, and the people in Transnistria.
“If we believe what we have have been told for decades, that more democracy means fairer elections and better governance, then the mixed voting system is step forward in this regard. We offered the people the chance to directly elect their MPs, not only according to party lists, and I think this way is more correct from a democratic perspective. The next Parliament and government will be more representative. I hope that in the next Parliament we will find it easier to reach a national political consensus”, added Dodon.
