The governing party PAS says it respects the right of the opposition to protest, as a rally is announced on Sunday to protest a spiral of rising prices and the criminal probe against Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo. Some political commentators say the animation of the opposition is welcome, as it galvanizes the government to be more efficient.
Political commentator Vlad Țurcanu thinks the idea to hold protests was inspired by decision-makers in Russia during Igor Dodon’s recent visit to Moscow.
“Every time Dodon returns from Moscow, he gets a boost of courage. PSRM and the other parties that are trying to exploit the situation practically help PAS stay up to the mark. After the elections PAS was left without opponents – so small and unimportant they were, but and now their political rivals reemerge, and it is easier for the government to work in such conditions,” said Vlad Țurcanu during the TV8 talk show “Întreabă Ghețu”.
The Civic Congress Party, a party that has been protesting these days against Stoianoglo’s arrest and suspension from office, could also join Sunday’s rally.
“I don’t rule out going to the rally on Sunday, but this is ultimately to be decided by our party’s executive committee. Something criminal and dirty has happened that has appalled the public. The government should not hope that the protests will deflate shortly. PAS has done a foolish thing of massive proportions that can cost them dearly and not only them, but the whole country. This lawless act is throwing our country into chaos,” says Civic Congress member Iurie Munteanu.
However, PAS representatives say they respect the decision of the opposition to protest and are certain that the anti-corruption efforts started by the current government has the support of the citizens.
“We are consistent in our ambition to reform the judiciary and go all the way with the vetting of prosecutors and judges. This is what’s caused some people to make noise lately. They see that we have even greater support from society, because people want the judiciary to reform. Prosecutors and judges who served the (oligarchic) regime will be removed from the system, and politicians will no longer enjoy protection from them. But we respect the right of citizens to protest”, said PAS lawmaker Petru Frunze.
At the same time, former MP Iurie Reniță says he is not surprised by PSRM’s support for the suspended prosecutor general, as Stoianoglo offered protection to the Socialists during his two year in office.
“Stoianoglo did a big illegal thing, when, after I disclosed the footage with the bag (which appeared to show Vlad Plahotniuc offering something in a black plastic bag to Igor Dodon for him to pay salaries), three or four days later he said that the video was illegal and could not be examined. He did not have the right to say such a thing, because he was not a line prosecutor. No prosecutor can decide on a piece of evidence that just came out and channel it to a dead end. There was also the infamous Bahamas case, why didn’t he take action? Because it was about illegal money from Russia, and Dodon and PSRM were targeted”, said Iurie Reniță.
The Communist-Socialist group announced a protest rally to be held on Sunday in central Chisinau, saying that any political or civil society representatives were welcome to join.
