The consolidation and prosperity of the Republic of Moldova became an axiomatic goal, but, regretfully, the reality shows that this axiom is to a great extent declarative and abstract, Speaker Marian Lupu said in his speech at the opening of the Parliament’s autumn session on October 4. Of course Moldova is an emerging young state with concerns typical of the “adolescence”. But this must not be an excuse. We will not be able to build a modern state, if we used the old stereotypes as basis, the speaker said. He expressed his concerns over the fact that there are many reminiscences of the past, when the patriotism was defined as “citizen for the state”. We must get over this approach and embrace a new, truly democratic approach, justified by the multi-century-old experience of the powerful democracies. The alternative approach, simple but organic, is “the state for the citizen”, he said. Lupu pleaded for maintaining a political balance and for developing the dialogue between the political forces. Moreover, following the recent events and political transformations, the preservation of a balance is even more imperative, the cited source said. According to him, the political partnership must be transposed in the relation between the central and local authorities, in the local decision-making process. The maintenance of this dialogue, the correctness in cooperation cannot be regarded as a personal wish or a declaration of attitude. It is a necessity dictated by the society’s will and by the country’s vital interests, he said. In his speech, Lupu referred also to the creation of new workplaces. “But we must be prudent and avoid the risk of populism, which centers on quantity instead of quality. We need well-paid jobs, but not many and cheap jobs, because the illusion of the remittances from abroad will remain more attractive that the wish to work at home, near the family,” the Speaker said. Speaking about the Parliament’s future activity, Lupu stressed the necessity of carrying out a parliamentary control over the implementation of the laws. It is for the first time that the Speaker addresses such a wide range of subjects in his speech at session opening. Usually he spoke mainly about the activity of the Parliament. It should be noted that at a news conference this July, Lupu, who is a member of the Communist Party, said that the doctrines and name of the party should be modernized. According to sources cited by the Chisinau press, this idea is not supported by the party’s leaders, including President Vladimir Voronin.