Moldovan president addresses citizens, mass media on importance of referendum for Moldova's accession to European Union

Chisinau, 18 March /MOLDPRES/ - President Maia Sandu today held a news conference, during which she addressed the citizens and mass media representatives on the importance of the referendum for Moldova’s accession to the European Union.  

„We have to go through a turning point in the next autumn – the referendum will lay down in the Constitution our decision to edify peace, welfare and freedom at home,’’ President Maia Sandu said.  

The head of state noted that she had held about 20 rounds of consultations in the last months, during which she discussed with over 500 people from diverse sectors, went to more settlements. The president spoke with Diaspora representatives – everybody is united by a common cause, for European Moldova. At the same time, the Moldovan president today pointed our several things:  

„It is important that we do the referendum, as this is a historical occasion, expected for three decades – the European Union member states are more opened than ever, we have political will necessary for this step and our citizens want to be EU members. This thing must be reconfirmed and put down in the Constitution, so that whoever is at rule, the voice of the people for this direction of development should be compulsory for the political establishment.’’   

„The referendum is the project and goal of the entire country, of all citizens. Namely therefore, I urged the civil society to initiate an organization group and to coordinate its efforts of promotion of the referendum and the accession to EU. Each effort is crucial.’’    

„The advantages of the accession to EU are obvious and we communicate about this with as many citizens as possible on the next period: in EU, the peace will be guaranteed; all citizens will have higher incomes and more well-paid jobs, a fact proved by the salaries and pensions which we see in Romania or in Lithuania; we will have laws and justice according to the EU standards, where the rights are observed, the people travel freely and everybody is equal before the law; we will receive bigger financial assistance for motor highways, schools and water supply systems; we will enjoy the good understanding and the preservation of the traditions.’’      

The head of state stressed that the referendum on integration did not belong to one or another person, but is a choice, which will define the destiny of the next generations, which will make sure that ‘’our dear Moldova will stay proud and equal in the great European family. This unites us everybody.’’    

„Yes, we are facing and will face challenges. There are forces which do not want us fulfilling this objective. But together, we have the strength to overcome any attempt of destabilization, any doubt or fear. Now, more than ever, it is vital for us to be united: political parties, civil society, citizens from everywhere. Time is ripe for us to prove that Moldova is prepared, resolute and capable to assume the place  it deserves in the European family,’’ President Maia Sandu also said.