Political analyst Anatol Taranu considers Igor Dodon returned to the harsh rhetoric that he used during the election campaign, even if he stepped several steps back from this rigid position when he was sworn in as Head of State. Dodon admitted then that the Republic of Moldova could move simultaneously towards two directions, including the possibility that the Association Agreement with the EU would work, following particular amendments. Now he changed his approach. Going to Moscow, Igor Dodon returned to his harsh position and this shows that he changes his position depending on conjuncture.
In a comment for IPN, Anatol Taranu said we will yet see Igor Dodon’s rhetoric when he goes on an official visit to Brussels. He may have two types of rhetoric – one for Moscow and another one for Brussels. Asked about the possible reaction of the EU to the statements made by Igor Dodon in Moscow, concerning the possibility of denouncing the Association Agreement with the EU, the analyst said the EU surely keeps an eye on the moves made on the political arena of Moldova and these assertions will not remain unnoticed.
“As far as I know, the first reactions appeared in Brussels. I’m convinced that Brussels will take notice of these statements. They understand very well that this is only political rhetoric for now because Dodon is unable to abrogate this accord. But surely such statements make the relationship between Moldova and the European Union tenser and bring disadvantages to Moldova. Now the EU will follow attentively the moves on the political arena in relation to the parliamentary elections of 2018 and will draw the relevant conclusions,” stated the analyst.
As to Igor Dodon’s assertion that the Transnistrian conflict could be settled in three years, Anatol Taranu said such statements do not surprise him given that Dodon openly said he counts on the victory of the Party of Socialists in the legislative elections so that the Socialists come to power. If he has a Government and a parliamentary majority, he will be able to do what he announced earlier – to federalize the Republic of Moldova. Given that Russia practically dictates the rules of the game, this would mean complete subduing of Moldova to Russia’s interests, to the detriment of the national interests. “In fact, Dodon in Moscow showed himself to be an agent of Russia’s interests, forgetting regrettably that he is the President of the Republic of Moldova,” said the analyst.
Anatol Taranu also said the roadmap that the Head of State transmitted to the Russian side should have been presented first in Chisinau. “It’s strange that he didn’t inform the public opinion in Moldova about this roadmap. It seems that he has two agendas – a secret one and one for the general public,” he stated.
As regards the economic cooperation between the two states and the Russian President’s assertion that this will depend on Chisinau’s decisions in relation to the European agenda, Anatol Taranu said Vladimir Putin understands very well that what Igor Dodon says is one thing, while the policy pursued by Chisinau is another thing. And this practical policy is related to the decisions taken by the Government and the parliamentary alliance. Igor Dodon simply articulates some things that he is unable to do. All the concessions of the trade regime with Russia will be implemented only if the Government accepts this. However, the reactions in Chisinau show that Dodon’s rhetoric lacks substance for now.
As to the problem of Moldovans banned from entering Russia, the analyst said this could be solved only if Moldova accepts to make principled political concessions. The migration regime is related less to the real situation, while the migrants are rather hostage to Russia and their situation fully depends on the fact if the Kremlin is satisfied with what Chisinau does or not. The migrants are used as blackmailing leverage in the relationship between Moscow and Chisinau.
Anatol Taranu considers this so-called ‘amnesty’ could take place if a political assistance and image plan is implemented for Igor Dodon closer to the parliamentary elections. Moscow is interested in strengthening Dodon’s positions of a pro-Russian agent in Moldova and could take some measures to facilitate the situation of Moldovan migrants in Russia only in such conditions.
