Today the European Parliament voted on a resolution on the political crisis in Moldova, following the invalidation of the mayoral elections in Chisinau, the country’s capital, last month.

 

The S&D could not vote in favour, as we do not agree with the resolution's call for the immediate suspension of EU financial support to Moldova. We share deep concerns over the undue interference of the judicial power in the electoral process, and the invalidation of the Chisinau election result. However, we believe that the only victim of cutting financial assistance would be the Moldovan people.

 

 

"The invalidation of the mayoral elections in Chisinau is a very unfortunate situation. Nevertheless, we cannot allow that this be played out politically and at the expense of an entire country and of its citizens. The EPP has been conducting this game against the government of Moldova for too long. We need to decide: either we say that we want the rule of law in Moldova, in which case we cannot ask that a decision that went through the court of first instance, court of appeal and Supreme Court is reversed; or we say that the rule of law is applicable only when it is convenient.

 

"In the S&D Group we have a clear stance on this, the rule of law is a key principle and it cannot be put under discussion for political games. We welcome the readiness of the government of Moldova to make all necessary improvements so that future elections - including the parliamentary ones – can take place without the risk of repeating situations such as that in Chisinau.

 

"Let's be clear on one thing: the election in Chisinau have nothing to do with the Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) and the budgetary support to Moldova and cannot in any way influence them. By stopping them, we would do nothing other than condemn Moldova to financial and economic problems and isolation, with one single winner: Russia."

 

 

"The invalidation of the mayoral elections in Chisinau happened at a critical moment in time, and is clearly a very worrisome development. Our group has expressed deep concern about the way this decision was taken, and it clearly sides with the Moldovan citizens, who are protesting for the respect of their vote.

 

"However, we were not able to support this resolution that is asking for the immediate suspension of all type of financial support to the country. This would ultimately turn against the people of Moldova, and it merits a careful evaluation of the facts and the situation on the ground."