Opinion leaders sign manifesto for future government

15 opinion leaders and NGO representatives ink a joint manifesto “for a responsible and democratic government.” The message is addressed to the Liberals and Democrats having won in the snap elections of July 29, 2009. They are urged to lay the foundations of an essentially new government, able to provide European quality to the process of democratic change in Moldova, Info-Prim Neo reports. The signatories ask the new coalition-to-govern to back the democratic objectives promoted by the civil society, with more care and responsibility. First of all they mean depoliticizing the office of the Moldovan President. “We believe the future head of the state must renounce his/her capacity of a member of a political party, during the office, thus treating the citizens with moderation and balance, or that he/she is elected from renowned personalities, enjoying popularity among the Moldovans.” The second request refers to the full and objective investigation of the April events, with international support. “It's every Moldovan's right to know the truth about the authors of the provocations and violence of April 2009,” the manifesto reads. The signatories also ask the new parliament to set up a special committee, with international experts, to probe all the evidence and accusations. Other requests refer to strengthening the Parliament as the supreme representing authority, to rigorously applying the principles of the power branches' cooperation and separation, to forming the a Cabinet with necessary skills to step up the democratic reforms. “We want a Government distinctive through its professionalism and efficiency, transparency, assumed individually and as a team, in the spirit of European and democratic management,” the manifesto reads. Other requests refer to the constitution of an Anti-Crisis National Board, to insure a favorable climate for media, to enhance the people's trust in the public authorities and to strengthen Moldova's status in its relation with the EU, the urgent normalization of the relationships with the neighboring countries. The manifesto is signed by Sergiu Ostaf (CreDO), Igor Munteanu (IDIS “Viitorul”), Ion Manole ( PROMO-Lex), Nadine Gogu (IJC), Igor Botan (ADEPT), Lilia Carasciuc (TI Moldova), Victor Chirila (APE), Vanu Jereghi (IDOM), Vlad Lupan (independent analyst), Vasile Spinei (Acces-Info), Petru Macovei (IPA), Alexandru Dorogan (APEL), Lucia Cucu (ANTEM), Valeriu Prohnitchi (Expert Grup) and Valeriu Saharneanu (JUM.)