“In the Republic of Moldova, there is not “I cannot stop the pandemic”, but there is “I do not want to stop the pandemic. All the states showed that there are clear ways for overcoming the pandemic,” said university professor Virgiliu Pâslariuc. According to him, there is fear that the pandemic will disappear at global level, but will continue to exist as an isolated phenomenon in Moldova as particular circles will want to maintain this state of fear related to the pandemic. The doctor of historical sciences made such statements in a public debate titled “COVID-19: Memories of the Future or what History teaches us?” that was staged by IPN News Agency.
He noted that from political viewpoint, the crisis related to the COVID-19 pandemic matches politicians’ interests. “They mobilize the voters through fear. The authorities can introduce restrictions and disseminate a message saying that a state of emergency will be again declared if the orders are not obeyed,” he stated, noting the government started to play with such things, but the coronavirus cannot annul democracy.
Virgiliu Pâslariuc said the health crisis and social crisis go hand in hand and the authorities should take into account people’s opinions as the people will stage a revolt if their security and prosperity are not ensured. But the government, in its strategic communication, if this can be called so, chose to blame the population, including the members of the diaspora “who came and infected everyone”.
The professor said the 30% of the citizens who deny the existence of the novel coronavirus want to somehow overcome this state and to mentally convince themselves that the virus does not exist and does not affect them. The government didn’t show the concrete steps that should be taken to overcome this situation to the people. There are no strategic plans for overcoming the crisis. The Government should understand that measures must be implemented with society and for society’s benefit.
According to him, strategic communication matters. A mechanism is needed by which the authorities will persuade the people to take into account and obey the imposed measures. “Or outbreaks of social dissatisfaction can appear, as in many states. And these outbreaks can degenerate in autumn, when the political temperature will rise,” stated Virgiliu Pâslariuc.
The debate “COVID-19: Memories of the Future or what History teaches us?” was the 146th installment of the debates project “Developing political culture through public debates” that is supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation.
