“This Is a Threat to National Security.” Parliament Adopts Declaration Condemning “Political Tourism”

PDM MPs at a June 11 parliamentary meeting proposed to adopt a political declaration condemning "political tourism." Alexandru Jizdan read out the text of the declaration from the parliamentary rostrum. Opposition deputies supported the declaration, but noted that the Democrats also used to buy MPs, and “PDM will go down in history as a "party-   manbag". "Deputies condemn political tourism. These corruption-based actions exacerbate political corruption. Managing political tourism from abroad is a threat to national security. They are trying to artificially change the balance of power in parliament and establish rule in the interests of a narrow group of people. Desires of people are trampled underfoot. This is an attempt to usurp power by a group that pretends to represent voters, but actually betrays their interests. We condemn corruption and will never vote for a government consisting of political defectors,” Jizdan quoted the text of the declaration. MP from the Dignity and Truth Platform (DA) party, Maria Ciobanu, noted that the day has come when the PDM condemns political tourism. She proposed adding to the text of the declaration an extract saying that political tourism has been condemned since Igor Dodon left PCRM, and also note that political tourism flourished under the Democratic Party. "DPM will remain in the country's history as a "party-manbag," said Ciobanu. The head of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) faction, Igor Grosu, said that political tourism destroys not just parties, but also the hope of the people who vote, and noted that PAS will support this declaration. His fellow colleague, Dan Perciun, asked Jizdan whether he was "sick of himself." "I would understand if such a declaration were issued by the socialists, and not you, who always acted like this," he said. PSRM MP Vasile Bolea noted that the draft decision had been discussed for 25 minutes, although it was supported by everyone, and suggested stopping the discussion and proceeding to vote. Vice Speaker of the Parliament, DA MP Alexandru Slusari proposed to condemn political tourism exercised throughout entire parliamentarism, and then DA would be able to vote freely and without reservation for this declaration. Former Democrat, the Pro Moldova parliamentary group leader, Andrian Candu, said he agreed with all the speakers and noted that he had carefully studied those who put their names to this declaration. He told about the political career of the PDM faction head, Dumitru Diacov, and recalled the defectors from the PCRM. Candu also stressed that sometimes deputies leave parties because of leadership and in order not to betray the interests of voters. “Do not be offended, colleagues on the right, but I see among you former PLDM members. And among the socialists there are many former communists. We need not only to change the Constitution, but also mentality and morality. Who teaches us a lesson today? ” Candu said and noted that the Pro Moldova group will nevertheless support this declaration. The head of the PSRM faction, Corneliu Furculice, answered Candu that this was not about the political path of Dumitru Diacov, but about those who were trying by all means to protect the interests of a narrow group of people regarding the Airport and others. “Cynicism seems to have no boundaries. When someone says that he leaves the party because of a leader, you all say that you are guided by the principles of democracy. Why wasn't the decision taken right away at the vote? Because the rates were rising," the Democratic Party leader Pavel Filip said. The deputies almost unanimously supported the declaration proposed by the PDM.