Presidency of the Republic of Moldova
Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Democracy is in decline in every region of the world, but not in my country, the Republic of Moldova.
Over the past two years, we have worked tirelessly to cut the influence of oligarchs in politics, on the economy, media, and political parties. We started cleaning up a corrupt justice system.
No doubt, we still have a lot of work to do, but improved international rankings are a testament to our efforts and political determination to strengthen our democracy.
In the Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders, Moldova has climbed 61 positions in two years alone, from 89th to 28th, out of 180 countries.
On the Rule of Law Index of the World Justice Project we have advanced by 14 positions since 2020.
On corruption perception, as measured by Transparency International, we improved by 24 positions in the last two years. On gender equality, we are ranked 16th today. On democracy indices overall, we’ve improved last year, too.
On the Council of Europe’s Moneyval, we’ve been upgraded to “largely compliant” from “partially compliant”.
And I would like to thank the Council of Europe, as a longstanding partner, working with us in strengthening Moldova’s democracy.
My message to you today is that where there is political will, change happens. Democracies mature. Societies become more resilient.
But in the face of current challenges, this is not enough for democracy to survive and flourish in my country. It’s not enough for change to happen sustainably. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has shaken the entire European continent.
While nothing compares to the devastation suffered by Ukraine, we feel the shockwaves from the war just across our border. We are on the receiving end of a Russian-backed hybrid methods which are designed to destabilize our democracy.
The aggression unleashed by Russia against Ukraine has impacted our national security and created an uncertain environment. Our citizens and entrepreneurs continue to struggle with the economic repercussions of soaring energy prices and disruption of trade routes.
Our economy needs to grow for democracy to stand a chance.
Russia’s disinformation and propaganda needs to be disarmed for our democracy to stand a chance. We’ve been holding the line against Russia’s destabilization efforts, and we will continue to do so.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Our democracy is backed up by strong political will, but it cannot stand alone against the magnitude of the challenges we are currently facing. Russia will continue to be a source of instability for the region for years to come. Our best way to consolidate our democracy and freedom is to join the European Union.
In Moldova, there is a political opportunity for the democratic world. There is a chance to prove that democracy can deliver despite the unprecedented challenges.
Champions of reforms need unwavering support to keep the window of opportunity wide open.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our friends and partners who are standing in solidarity with my country. And foremost, in solidarity with Ukraine.
It’s high time to say it loud and clear that no one is above the law. Moldova joins the Register of Damage caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Continue helping Ukraine, continue helping Moldova, so that together we can carry on defending our democracies and the European values that we chose as our present, and our future.
Thank you.
