Democracy in the Republic of Moldova has been put to the test by the Kremlin regime for more than 30 years. However, despite the difficult circumstances, the Moldovans have shown that they know how to fight for democracy, that they want to be respected and not to be an instrument of imperialism's influence, Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu stated at the EU Speakers Conference that is taking place in Strasbourg on March 20-21, IPN reports.

The official noted that, in all these years, the internal policies of the Republic of Moldova have been directed through politicians who "sold themselves to criminal groups that stole the country's resources or through those who sold the country to the Kremlin." They maintained energy dependence on Gazprom and promoted Russia's propaganda channels.

"In the last elections, with an unprecedented involvement of the Russian Federation, with three years of unjust and inhuman war on the border, with a whole propaganda machine, our voice, of those who want peace and to live in democracy, freedom, was stronger," stressed Igor Grosu.

According to the Moldovan speaker, democracy in Moldova is, perhaps, weak, but certainly authentic and will last. Or, by involving citizens in political processes, grandiose projects can be achieved. "For us, the Moldovans, democracy means peace, prosperity and freedom, and authoritarianism means war, fear, hunger and poverty. The Moldovans have understood that the European development course is closely linked to democracy and freedom," said Igor Grosu.

The official noted that 2025 is a difficult year not only for the Republic of Moldova, but for the whole of Europe, as the fundamental values of society are in danger. Also this year, parliamentary elections will be held in the Republic of Moldova and they are crucial for the country's European future.

"We already fully feel how the aggressor state Russia, the criminal groups at the local level have united and want to offer us on a platter to the Kremlin regime, to use us as a conflict zone, to keep us poor and in fear. That is why, dear friends of Moldova, I call on you to continuee to help us defend our democracy and the country," said the head of the legislature.

The EU Speakers Conference in Strasbourg involves more than 60 Speakers and Vice-Speakers of Council of Europe member states, partner countries or observer countries, as well as almost 400 delegates.