Socialists' leader says Moldova must follow authentic independence way

Moldova: 25 years of independence

Igor Dodon, leader of the Party of Socialists (PSRM), MP

MOLDPRES: After the proclamation of Independence, Moldova could follow three ways of development: independent, unionist or closely dependent on the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) (most recently, the Eurasian Union). Should we start from the very beginning, what path would you choose?

Dodon: Why don't you mention also the fourth way, the one that was in reality? The one of Moldova closely dependent on Romania and European Union? Don't you see that any political action must be presently consulted in Brussels? And in the early 1990s, attempts to get closer to Romania, including union, were made both in terms of declarations and actions. For this reason , the conflicts at the Dniester and in Gagauzia were triggered and our society has been divided till present.  

So, I am for the authentic independence way, when Moldova will not be guided with the hand neither from the East nor from the West, as it happens at present. Yet, to get this independence, at least partially, we have to get rid of dictate on behalf  of the European commissioners.

MOLDPRES: What future do you see for Moldova?

Dodon: I believe that Moldova will resist the unionists from inside and from outside and will survive as a state. I am sure that we will eventually get rid of the oligarchs at rule and will have an efficient democracy, not a captured state. I hope that we will territorially reintegrate the country and will incorporate de facto the territory from the left bank of Dniester, preserving our neutrality and sovereignty. I want Moldovans to be useful here, to have jobs, to study and make families in Moldova.

I think that Moldova has future, a future we are to be proud of; yet, we both as officials and citizens, must work a lot and with personal sacrifice.   

(Reporter A. Plitoc, Editor A. Raileanu)