Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Moldovans have shown maximum solidarity with Ukrainian refugees, while politically the government has promoted a policy of neutrality. Despite this, state institutions remain very weak, thinks Ștefan Gligor, president of the Party of Change.
“Behind this neutral status hides an extremely vulnerable state, without a functioning and growing economy, without institutions capable of managing crises”, stated Gligor during an IPN debate on Friday.
Speaking on the subject of solidarity in times of crisis, the politician said that a large part of Moldovans are affected by the “Russian propaganda infospace”. “We did not have a program to fight Russian propaganda. And the relevant institutions that were supposed to do this, including the Audiovisual Council, until recently facilitated propaganda. Now there is a new makeup (of the Council) and we hope to see more steps. However, there are still at least two media companies controlled by Igor Dodon. In addition, we have Ilan Șor, who also has instruments of influence in the media”, says Gligor.
Stefan Gligor noted the “neutral and cautious” approach of the government towards the war. “The Presidency and the Government have worked hard to choose the right words and to be very careful, especially in the first two weeks of the war. They feel absolute uncertainty, including from a military point of view”.
“Obviously, our situation is very vulnerable. We did not join the sanctions. As a society, we have tried to focus on providing aid to refugees. Until now, we have not had a direction in which we want to develop, because we have constantly balanced between west and east. Our neutrality must be guaranteed by a functioning and strong state”, he added.
“What is happening to our neighbors could happen to us. In fact, it did happen to us in 1991-1992. Unfortunately, at that time Ukraine’s position was very wrong, but it came to learn its lesson the hard way, with great human losses. Despite the threats that exist for our country, we can impose our respect only if we defend our beliefs, but not when we only declare them. There are many people in Moldova, including those in public life, who declare some beliefs, but do not defend them. We have always presented ourselves as a very kind society. We are an empathetic society and we can stand in solidarity. And in this crisis, for the most part, we have confirmed this reputation and self-esteem. In addition, we have made ourselves heard internationally. And that raises us a little above the swamp we are in, which is called domestic politics. I hope we learn from this lesson”, concluded Ștefan Gligor.
The debate was the 233rd installment of the “Developing Political Culture” Series, run by IPN with the support of the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
