Presidency of the Republic of Moldova
Dear citizens,
Moldova is currently at a crossroads. What will happen to our country and our children's future now depends on the strength of our people to tell the world clearly what we want. It is crucial to stick together on the same path and say it without equivocation - Moldova will succeed!
Moldova, like other European countries, is paying a huge price for the senseless war triggered by Russia in Ukraine. For over a year, young people are dying in the fields where wheat used to grow in previous years. Hundreds of thousands of innocent people are being hit by bombs in their homes, where just two years ago they were living their ordinary lives, with their daily worries and joys. Millions of people have lost everything they had, everything they have accumulated in a lifetime, and are on the run.
Russia continues an inhumane war against a peaceful neighbour. And it is trying to weaken the unity of Europe and the determination with which European countries oppose injustice and crime. The Kremlin's blackmail has led to rising energy prices for everyone, and as a result, the prices of all goods and services have risen. Every person's life has become more complicated, more expensive and more anxious after 24 February 2022.
During all this time, when Moldovans are working hard to take care of their families with dignity and to remain free, we still have people in our country threatening us with war. All this time, all of us, together with the Government, the parliamentary majority, have done everything to protect the people, we have acted predictably, disciplined and wisely to ensure peace and stability in our country. The true patriots in the institutions of force, who did their duty and respected their oath to the people, have played an important role. A big role has been played by our foreign friends who have helped us and have shown that they are ready to protect us from any threat.
Time has shown that we have chosen the right path, and those who dreamed of destabilising the situation in Moldova have failed. Our people are wise and have not fallen into the trap set by the cunning one.
At the same time, the dirty money, which finances attempts at destabilisation, continues to flow. There are mindless individuals in Moldova who look at what is happening in Ukraine and rejoice in the crimes there. Who see the horrors in Bahmut, Bucha, Mariupol, Herson and say that theirs are close. These people who have sold their country are now ready to see our villages and towns reduced to rubble just so they can return to power. They are willing to see their parental homes bombed, just so they can steal billions more.
A group of thieves, paid with dirty money, has planned to block our European path, our road to peace and prosperity. These same individuals have kept Moldova trapped in poverty and corruption, and now they are attacking it by poisoning the souls of our people through discord and division. The same dirty money corrupts various individuals to prevent the cleaning of justice. The same money finances so-called protests. It may seem, on one hand, that these groups that want to steal our freedom, block our future, and destroy our peace and understanding are shouting louder than the voice of the people. Hundreds of thousands of people watch as a handful of corrupt individuals plan to steal the future of our children.
Europe is watching. The whole world is watching.
Many are under the mistaken impression that the citizens of Moldova are looking on with indifference. Many mistakenly believe that the citizens of our country are indifferent and take no action. Some still question whether our people really want to join the European Union.
I propose that we answer them.
I urge you to demonstrate, as a nation, a clear decision to be part of the European family, based on respect, stability, and economic collaboration. I urge you to show that the sole master of this land is the people of the Republic of Moldova. I urge you to explain to those who still have doubts that decisions about the future of the Republic of Moldova are made in the Republic of Moldova.
The time has come for Moldovans to show that we are a determined people, a people who are masters in our own home, a people who can defend democracy, peace, and communities with our heads held high.
I believe that the time has come for those who are watching us, both in the East and in the West, to see that we are united and courageous in the decisive moments for our destiny.
I am announcing that I have launched the initiative to convene a citizens' meeting in Chisinau to tell the world that we are Europeans and that this is the path we have chosen. Let us give an answer to those who ask what Moldovans want. A clear and resounding answer. Let our voice, the voice of the many, the voice of our people, be heard.
The European Moldova National Assembly will be held on May 21st, in the Great National Assembly Square. The voice of each individual will cement our European path. I call upon everyone - farmers, teachers, students, NGOs, entrepreneurs, doctors, cultural figures, private sector employees, public officials - to come together and support our common dream. Let's demonstrate that we desire peace. We want the European Union to be at home with us. Just as we gathered when we demanded and achieved independence. Just as we gathered and defended our democracy and resisted in the toughest times. Let's gather again now.
I will be discussing the details of this event with pro-European political forces, with civil society, with academia, with the personalities of our country in the immediate future, but first of all I wanted to address the people directly. Even if we have certain grievances, even if we sometimes have different opinions, now is not the time for quarrelling and division. Now is the time to unite and become part of the European family together. I come with this appeal, because at crucial moments big decisions are not taken by politicians alone. Big decisions are taken by people in the Great National Assembly Square.
We are at a major crossroads. What we do now will influence our lives, the lives of our children, and the lives of our grandchildren. Future generations will look at how we behaved in these times and will ask - what did we do to defend our country? What did we do to be part of the civilized world that solves problems without war? What did we do for future generations to protect them from disaster? How did we come together and decide that the fate of our children will be a future of peace, understanding, and prosperity?
On 21 May 2023 we will gather to answer these questions together.
I look forward to seeing you at the European Moldova National Assembly.
