Opinion: “It’s Time PAS Stopped Splitting the Society”

The ruling party’s policy deviates more and more from the real expectations of the people, pushing the society to ideological confusion

Semyon ALBU, RTA: The ruling party’s decision to ban the St. George’s ribbon, voted final today by parliament, has certainly stirred up our already disturbed society. It would seem a trifle, nothing, especially amid such global events. However, the ban that went hand in hand with the odious law on “information security” dispelled many people’s illusions and made it clear that the authorities had crossed the line and decided that now they could even get into Moldovans’ heads and tell them not only what to do, but also what to think. And so the harmless St. George’s ribbon, the indispensable companion of Victory Day – the day on which once our long-suffering continent found the long-awaited peace, including thanks to the feat of arms of our ancestors – suddenly became a symbol of war and hatred. This, to put it mildly, not so clever idea was expressed in a particularly comical way by Natalia Gavrilita, in whose opinion, on 9 May we should give preference to things that “unite us, not divide us” – for example, to European integration. So, in the country, where usually only half of the population confidently supported the EU membership, Euro-integration is a uniting factor? By the way, the regime has been fussing with it lately like a hen with one chick. The questionnaire, which, judging by the amount of hype, must open the doors to the European Union by tomorrow. In general, the country’s leadership is now doing its best to force getting the status of candidate for membership in the EU, from which all further political life of PAS will start anew, including the nearest election campaigns. Not to mention the tasty funds that will be opened to the authorities to carry out the next stage of “reforms”. I am pretty sure if Moldova is awarded the “candidacy” in June, the ruling party will gain almost “God-elected” status in its own eyes and will rest on its laurels with a deep sense of accomplishment. Except, ordinary citizens, for now, have been incredibly ungrateful and are in no hurry to bow down for such “historic achievements”. So yesterday we were presented with another poll, the results of which speak for themselves. Several key points can be singled out. First, the president’s party, no matter how it boasts of European success, is rapidly losing popularity. If early elections were held right now – and almost half of the population supports this – there would be no parliamentary majority for the party. The great leader herself is no longer considered infallible either – her “wise” policy has brought Sandu the highest anti-rating among politicians in the country, and the belief that she would change life for the better has completely collapsed. Second, people understand that things have obviously gone in the wrong direction. Four out of five respondents feel that tension in the country is growing. Third, European integration is not a cure-all. As sad as it must be for the political minorityfrom PAS to realize, only one-fifth of the survey respondents were in favor of joining the EU. And almost 60 per cent – for Moldova’sindependence and neutrality. By the way, the policy of neutrality and non-joining the anti-Russian sanctions was also supported by the absolute majority. But it is being actively wound down by the country’s leadership... The conclusions that can be drawn from all the above are quite obvious to any resident of Moldova, except, of course, the “blessed yellow team of the best people”. Our country is facing huge challenges and trials. Thank God the war didn't come to our home but it is being waged literally on our doorstep, and many of its direct witnesses have already moved here. Even before the war, which only made the things worse, revolutionary changes in all areas in the region and around the globe, from energy to security, had hit us with all their might leading to increased prices, “crazy” tariffs and, as a result, a marked decline in living standards. This was added by the disastrous management of the ruling party nominees. That experience taught us a very good lesson about what happens when ideological attitudes prevail over pragmatic concern for the citizens' interests. It's a pity that we have to pay a very high price for this lesson. It is quite clear that the most basic instinct of the Moldovan society takes over in such conditions, which is self-preservation. Now, more than ever, we realized that there is nothing better and more reasonable than to live in your own country, be friends with everyone and never be at war. That is why support for neutrality has increased, while the ideas of joining NATO and the European Union have sharply declined in popularity. In peacetime all these “integration games” also cost us dearly (suffice it to recall the stolen billion) and now they threaten the very existence of the state. People have the wisdom to grasp this. Authorities don't. As a result, the further PAS goes in its policy, the more it deviates from the people's real aspirations. Instead of neutrality, there is a steady drifting into the camp of the anti-Russian coalition. Instead of solving pressing problems, there is a relentless focus on the seemingly endless path to the European Union. Instead of peace and tranquility, the society is split by the bans, the destructive effect of which will have to be measured already next month. And that's just the beginning. To be honest, I no longer have any hopes or illusions about the rule of the current regime. It clearly has no interest in what is considered to be the first priority for a normal government – improving the welfare and social security of citizens. On the contrary, we are offered to pay extra fee for the PAS's pursuit for “lofty ideals”, which are far from our citizens, for example, in the form of an increased gas price. Okay, your patrons' orders have to be fulfilled, and I understand that. But is it possible at least not to split the society along the way, ultimately pushing it to ideological confusion? After all, the same ban of the St. George's ribbon, I am sure, will not bring us any closer either to European standards, or, even more so, economic prosperity.