The “microspore” examination applied at the level of the political class should also be applied to parties apart so as to see how these work as a part of society. The parties have particular functions, including the one to recruit political leaders and engage them in the struggle for power, sociologist Vitalie Spranceana stated in the public debate “Quality of the political class: importance, current state and ways of improvement” that was organized by IPN News Agency and Radio Moldova.
According to the sociologist, a difference should be made between party bureaucracy and those who hold political posts. If such a distinction is made, we see asymmetry of power, for example, inside the party, between the administration and members. The role of youth organizations and women’s organizations in providing new leaders should also be analyzed. In their speeches, the politicians during many years centered on such issues as the integration into the EU, entry into the Russian area or union with Romania. The renovation of the political class implies the renewal of the public narrative.
“A discussion about the quality of the political class should have this variable too. What should we do for the political parties to function differently and work as machines that recruit competent and engaged persons? There is a big distance between the politicians and society. If we analyze the questions about the social problems that bother the people we will see that they are usually at opposite poles,” said Vitalie Spranceana.
As to the influence of civil society on the political class, the sociologist said the participation is a key element. The fact that only one aspect of the organization and ensuring of the right to political association is addressed is one of the drawbacks of the mixed electoral system. The other aspects are left aside and this leads to inequality. The Law on Parties should be modified so that the people find it easier to organize into different political groups that promote particular interests, including regional ones.
“I think the Law on Parties is incorrect because it places hindrances to the ordinary people’s participation, including through the required number of signatures for registering a party. The people enjoy the constitutional right to form political organizations and there is no magic figure that can be imposed on them,” stated Vitalie Spranceana.
The public debate “Quality of the political class: importance, current state and ways of improvement” was the 78th installment of the series “Developing political culture by public debates” that are organized with support from the Hanns Seidel Foundation of Germany.
