Press Release
on the organization of the debate “May 9th – A Festivity that Unites and Divides”. Developing Political Culture through Public Debates”. Public debates series held by the news agency IPN in its conference room with the support of the German Foundation “Hanns Seidel”
Held on May 10, debate 72 brought together Liberal MP Valerian Bejan, Democratic Party spokesperson Vitalie Gamurari; and Igor Boţan, the Project’s standing expert. Despite confirming her participation more than once, Communist MP Elena Bodnarenco didn’t show up for the debate. Her absence was partially compensated by the pundit Igor Boţan, who was asked by the moderator to act as a surrogate.
We chose to invite representatives of three political positions that emerged after, at the end of last month, Parliament adopted a decision to mark Europe Day together with Victory Day on May 9. All three positions could fit into the description of either inclusive (Victory Day and Europe Day together) or mutually exclusive (it’s either Victory Day or Europe Day, never both). These positions were formulated, often in uncompromising terms, during and after that Parliament sitting, as well as in preparation for and during May 9 celebrations proper.
It was also with forethought that we decided to hold this debate not before, but after the May 9 celebrations, so as to avoid the characteristic anticipation rant that is also seen during election seasons. Some, including the police, expected potential clashes between supporters of the two holidays or provocations. However, yet again the Moldovans knew better, preferring to show their sympathies in a peaceful and fairly tolerant manner. According to police morning reports on May 10, overall “public order was not disturbed on May 9”.
The debate speakers were encouraged to follow suit and try to explain their positions, in a peaceful fashion, about this hotly debated issue, in particular what has changed with the adoption of that Parliament decision, and, as the title suggests, whether these observances will unite or further divide Moldovan society.
In particular, the project’s standing expert Igor Botan said the goal was to achieve reconciliation, but the result is the opposite. For example, some insisted on marking only Victory Day on May 9. “From my viewpoint, there are no reasons to believe that the Victory Day and Europe Day that are commemorated the same day will lead to conciliation. We all understand that political parties pursue the goal of using the symbols as a social ferment to make people wake up and associate themselves with a party or another or with blocs of parties. After the law (e.n. by which Europe Day was instituted) was adopted in Parliament, we have an even deeper cleavage,” stated the expert.
A representative of the Party of Communists was invited to the debate, but this didn’t present himself. Therefore, as an expert, Igor Botan was asked to provide arguments in favor of the marking of Victory Day only on May 9. He said that May 9 is a traditional holiday that has been celebrated for many decades. “Either some like it or not, it is a fact confirmed by the hundreds of people who take part in the celebrations staged to mark this holiday. At the same time, the Communist concept is attractive to many people, but how this ideology was implemented is another problem,” stated the expert. He added he understands those who celebrate Victory Day and do not want confusion. The Parliament’s decision to institute Europe Day on May 9 is aimed at creating this confusion. According to him, the state institutions should take special measures so that the people are not on barricades on May 9.
Liberal MP Valerian Bejan said that particular political forces tried to monopolize the day of May 9, not allowing celebrating another holiday the same day. The MP drew an analogy with religion. “There are persons who embrace different confessions and follow either the old style or the new style. Thus, the holidays fall on different dates. The Liberals promote the idea of tolerance between different views,” he stated.
However, according to the MP, those who celebrate Victory Day on May 9 should realize what they celebrate. “The Liberals on this day commemorate the victims of World War II, no matter on whose side these fought, as most of them didn’t fight voluntarily, especially the citizens between the Prut and Nistru, who were deployed along the front line,” he said.
Vitalie Gamurari, spokesman for the Democratic Party, said the PDM promoted the idea of celebrating two holidays the same day because of the necessity of reconciling society. “During many years, since the proclamation of independence, it has been clear that society is divided, including as regards May 9. It is well known that World War II ended on May 8,” said the spokesman, noting that this reconciliation probably cannot be obtained from the first day. To succeed, conciliation should be ensured with the involvement of civil society, while the European values can help achieve this.
“We remained with that May 9 tradition from the Soviet period. As a matter of fact, a large part of the Moldovans regard this day as the Victory Day. On the other hand, it is evident that for the Republic of Moldova everything that is related to the European concept is very important given that the Republic of Moldova clearly declared its European integration course. That’s why May 9 also represents Europe Day,” noted Vitalie Gamurari.
The Agency published 5 news stories on the debate (see the English version of www.ipn.md): on 10.05.17, „ May 9 as a holiday that unites and divides, IPN debate” - http://www.ipn.md/en/integrare-europeana/83770; on 11.05.17: „ Best European practices should be brought to Moldova, IPN debate” - http://www.ipn.md/en/special/83782; „ Vitalie Gamurari: There is no clear truth about May 9 at present” - http://www.ipn.md/en/politica/83774; „ Igor Botan: Celebration of Victory Day and Europe Day concurrently will not lead to conciliation” - http://www.ipn.md/en/integrare-europeana/83776; „Liberal MP: For Moldova, World War II goes on” - http://www.ipn.md/en/politica/83777;
Materialele privind subiectele dezbătute, precum şi reacţia mass-media la eveniment sunt atasate.
Valeriu Vasilica, director of IPN