Plahotniuc’s Pre-Election Message to Citizens: “Change Is Closer Than You Think”

On Tuesday, September 16, Vladimir Plahotniuc published a message on social media calling on citizens to take part in the parliamentary elections and to compare the results of the Democratic Party’s governance during 2016-2019 with the current rule of PAS. “After four years of ‘good times,’ citizens now have to decide the future of the country. Moldovans must choose whether they want to continue living as they have over the past four years, or truly live in freedom and prosperity,” he wrote, as reported by newtv.md. According to Plahotniuc, during the Democratic Party’s rule the country had order, security, and prosperity, with low energy tariffs, while citizens benefited from important social programs such as “New Life,” “Doctor for You,” and “First Home.” He also recalled infrastructure and public service projects such as “One-Stop Shop” and the ARENA Chisinau complex: “From the administrative reform, thanks to which the DPM government reduced the number of ministries from 16 to 9 and saved hundreds of millions of lei annually, to fair and very affordable gas and electricity tariffs. From social and healthcare policies aimed at benefiting the people, to salary increases in healthcare and education. People remember all of this. How, for example, could one forget that during those years we significantly lowered energy tariffs – in 2019, the price of gas was 4.70 lei per cubic meter, and electricity cost 1.60 lei per kWh,” he added. In his message, the former DPM leader sharply criticized the current PAS government, accusing the authorities of censorship, repression against the opposition, and the use of political police: “Today, Moldova is experiencing censorship, repression, and dictatorship. Television channels have been shut down, mayors have been subjected to blackmail, and opposition politicians pressured, while numerous ordinary citizens have faced criminal cases for their civic stance. Today, the political police operate openly and aggressively in the Republic of Moldova, and citizens’ fear of expressing their opinions has reached its highest level since 1991. This means that any further abuse by PAS in political life during this election campaign could spark a collective outburst of social anger,” Plahotniuc wrote, urging citizens to vote for change. He also stated that he would soon share his plans for this election campaign and encouraged voters not to be afraid, promising “thorough and long-term” actions: “When you go to vote, dear Moldovans, consider the economic and social crisis the Republic of Moldova has faced in recent years under PAS rule, and decide for yourselves whether this crisis should continue or be stopped. I believe it must be stopped, along with this incompetent government. And I understand that most citizens have already reached the same conclusion. This is a signal that change is near – much closer than you think,” he emphasized.