On the 27th anniversary of the declaration of Moldova’s Independence, IPN News Agency set the goal of presenting the thoughts of those who chose to leave the country temporarily or for good in search for a better future.

Marina Pânzaru, 35, is a journalist by occupation. She left Moldova for Portugal a year ago.

The young woman said she didn’t initially plan to leave the country, but the current situation in Moldova made her change her mind and try her luck in another country. Her husband left the first. She and her son left Moldova last year. Marina Pânzaru said the people abroad do not know much about Moldova. ”We are often mixed up with Russians or Ukrainians,” she stated.

”I tell the foreigners that our citizens are hospitable and we have nice places that can be visited. But I also tell them sincerely that corruption, poverty, the high prices and the sociopolitical situation in the country on the whole regrettably make the people abandon everything and leave Moldova in search for another home where they would feel protected, respected and would feel that they live, not survive.”

According to Marina Pânzaru, each nation has what to learn from other nations. What she noticed in Portugal, even if she lived for not long there, is that the people always seeks rights there. They are not afraid to speak if they are dissatisfied. The people are respectful, always help you and are welcoming. At the same time, the Moldovan citizens have a good reputation there, at least in Portimao City, where she lives. ”Locals say we are rather hardworking, responsible and we work well and fast. I think the Portuguese people could learn from the Moldovans how to work faster,” she stated.

Asked about an eventual return home and the conditions in which this could happen, the young woman answered: ”Never say never”. Marina Pânzaru noted that Moldova will always be her home. Her parents, grandparents, friends and mates are here. ”I was born here and grew up here. I learned a trade here and knew nice people here. I got married here and gave birth to a child here. How can I not love this country? With good and bad things, it will always be in my heart. But I think that Moldova will not recover soon and will not be able to offer soon to its people what they deserve and what is normal in a state. Respectively, I cannot say when and if I would return,” she said, adding she misses all those who are dear to her.

Elena Nistor, IPN

On the same theme:

Alexandru Cazacu: Moldova looks nicer from outside as you long for it