President Maia Sandu’s initiative to organize a referendum increases the chances of the incumbent President in the presidential election and complicates the situation of center-right candidates. According to political scientist Ilian Cașu, the holding of the referendum simultaneously with the presidential election is an instrument to mobilize the pro-European vote in favor of Maia Sandu, IPN notes.
The political scientist noted that the referendum announced by President Maia Sandu is an initiative meant to ensure a new term in office for the head of state. The pro-European message is associated with President Maia Sandu and the ruling party PAS, and this disadvantages the other center-right candidates.
“President Maia Sandu responded to the opposition’s multiple requests to approve the European integration course by popular vote. There is other more democratic exercise than a referendum in the world. When politicians have disagreements, they go to the people. President Sandu’s gesture is Machiavellic. President Sandu’s gesture was meant to take the opposition by surprise. This move greatly complicates the political chances of center-right parties. Because Maia Sandu is Europe. The Party of Action and Solidarity has a monopoly on the idea and process of European integration. And then, what message should the others on the right come up with? For right-wing candidates, things become substantially more difficult. The referendum is an instrument to mobilize the pro-European vote in favor of President Maia Sandu. The referendum is, in essence, a political exercise and it definitely increases President Maia Sandu’s chances," Ilian Cașu stated in the program “Reflection Points” on Vocea Basarabiei station.
According to the political scientist, for the pro-European forces in Moldova to sign a pact similar to the Snagov one, there must be sincere discussions between genuinely pro-European parties, and these discussions must be initiated by the ruling party.
“Before having a Moldovan “Snagov” Pact, the ruling party, which is pro-European, had to create a discussion platform monthly or quarterly. To reach a “Snagov” agreement, you have to take particular steps. You need some preparation and this preparation could be a platform for discussions initiated honestly. Not to slaughter and destroy the smallest ones so that you remain a single pro-European force. Rational people realize that it is impossible for this process of European integration to be carried out by a single political force. This “Snagov” cannot be achieved overnight. Even if there are smaller, genuinely pro-European parties, preparation is needed,” said Ilian Cașu.
The Snagov Declaration was signed in 1995 by 14 political parties of Romania. The agreement provided for the existence of a consensus between political forces on Romania’s accession to the European Union.
