The enshrining of the European integration in the Constitution is a provision that derives from the programs of one or several political parties. An attempt to constitutionalize an ideological, concept provision of a concrete party was made, Socialist MP Vladimir Țurcan stated in a public debate entitled “European integration in the Constitution and in life” that was the 95th installment of the series “Developing political culture by public debates” staged by IPN News Agency and Radio Moldova.
The MP noted the Party of Socialists’ position on the insertion of the European course in the Constitution from the start was clear and trenchant and remains unchanged. If the initiators of this bill consider this is an issue of major importance for the people of the Republic of Moldova, a referendum should have been held. This method is specified in the Constitution, which clearly provides that such problems are put up for a referendum.
According to Vladimir Țurcan, a hidden goal was revealed in the debates on the bill to amend the Constitution and enshrine the European integration in it held in Parliament. Those who have a differing opinion or position, either a party or citizens, are considered elements that violate the Constitution, with all the consequences – starting of criminal cases, etc. The Socialists’ position was, is and will be that no notion about the European, Eurasian or other types of integration should be stipulated in the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova. This would further divide society.
The Socialist MP stated that the choice of any course should be made only by the people of the Republic of Moldova. The same is true about the amendment of Article 13 of the Constitution concerning the language spoken on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. “We know very well that there are different opinions in society and society is split practically 50% to 50%,” he noted.
Vladimir Țurcan admitted that when the initiative was launched, a common idea and a common goal existed and these unnoted all the pro-European politicians. But then the Europeans didn’t harshly assess the European integration process in the Republic of Moldova. Earlier, the Moldovan pro-Europeans maximally exploited the issue concerning the course, including in election campaigns. “Now this idea or ideology was discredited in society and the non-voting in Parliament means complete failure,” he said.
The debate “European integration in the Constitution and in life” forms part of the series of public debates held by IPN News Agency and Radio Moldova as part of the project “Developing political culture by public debates” that is supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation of Germany.
