First parliament member: Independence only reasonable way for Moldova to stand with dignity in history

The Republic of Moldova: 25 years of independence

Victor Stepaniuc, writer, member of the Parliament of Moldova (1996-2010), deputy prime minister in the Government of  Moldova (2008-2009)

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?

Stepaniuc: Getting state independence by modern Moldova is the biggest achievement of Moldovan people in the 20th century.

I believe that the independence is the only reasonable way for Republic of Moldova and the Moldovan people, and the choice made in 1991 was and is constantly confirmed  in opinion polls and active participation of the population in elections. Participation of around 60-75 percent of the population at elections proves the hope and trust in state, political system and politic elites of the country and means a permanent support for the independence.

Surely, presently we must ascertain that the independence has not brought the desired achievements in the domestic and foreign policy, has not led to prosperity and well-being in each family. Most citizens have been seriously hit by the social and economic problems of the last decades.

A great defeat for the Moldovan political establishment was the the Transnistrian conflict and the inability of the political elite to overcome separatism and unionism, to find compromises in ethnic and linguistic problems, as well as incompetence in matters of geopolitics and international relations. The governing elites have not had and, regretfully, do not have the wisdom to build a pragmatic foreign policy, based on economic interests of the population.

I think that, in this regard, it is worth studying the model of success in Singapore, which in the 60s of last century, after proclaiming its independence from Britain and Malaysia, did everything possible to maintain priority relations namely with these countries and ruled out any tensions with the former metropolises.

Ultimately, I believe that Moldova has its place in contemporary history and has all possibilities to strengthen the independence, become a modern and prosperous country.

MOLDPRES: What future do you see for Moldova?

Stepaniuc: To have a nice future, Moldova need cult, moral, moderate political  and intellectual elites, it needs competent, responsible and wise personalities in politics, who will work for the country, not ideologies and geopolitical vectors.

Moldova is a landlocked country between the Western Europe and Eastern Europe,  which must remain geopolitically neutral, but actively promote multi-vector policy of peace and cooperation, promote economic pragmatism in interstate relations.

Our state needs a stable and effective executive power, to ensure the revival and modernization, power and sovereignty of the people. Time is ripe for us to learn from examples of other countries, as well as from our own mistakes, in order to choose solutions to make the power responsible, to develop democracy, the rule of law, economy, people's welfare, justice, fairness and social harmony, to overcome division, robberies and disrespect for  the country.

(Reporter L. Grubii, editor M. Jantovan)