The leaders of the ALTERNATIVA Bloc held a press conference today, August 5, during which they presented four pillars for consolidating the Republic of Moldova.

Ion Ceban, President of MAN, stated that this conference is an address to future participants in the electoral competition – parties and political blocs – and that the idea to deliver this message emerged after the 300 meetings with citizens organized by the ALTERNATIVA Bloc across the country. Ion Ceban refuted the narratives promoted by the current government that “the main stake” of the parliamentary elections on September 28 is either a PAS victory or a “pro-Russian triumph,” since both scenarios would entail a crisis of significant proportions, with extremely serious social and economic effects.

The four pillars of the ALTERNATIVA Bloc represent real solutions to overcome the deadlocks in which our country has become entrenched. “Thus, our first pillar is ‘European Moldova: the country where every citizen’s right to happiness is sacred.’ I want to make it clear: European integration is not a foreign policy objective imposed on us by anyone from outside; European integration remains, first and foremost, the choice and hope of over half of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. European integration is exactly what the current government fails to do. What they do is wave it like a party flag, using it as a threat and a tool of fear, not as a national project to unite society. The ALTERNATIVA Bloc has set its mission to carry out a much more effective and organized effort to accelerate the Republic of Moldova’s integration into the European Union (EU), by strictly implementing the roadmap and achieving all accession indicators,” said Ion Ceban.

Ion Chicu, President of PDCM, presented the second pillar of the ALTERNATIVA Bloc – “A Liberalized Economy Supported by Effective Incentives.” This pillar has three distinctive elements: appropriate fiscal and administrative burdens, massive public investments in infrastructure and education, elimination of discrimination against domestic producers, and support for them. “We know for certain that the current disgraceful state of our economy, the exodus of citizens, progressive poverty, and energy isolation are consequences of gross incompetence, servility to foreigners and monopolists, ignorance and discrimination against domestic producers, and the pathological laziness of the authorities. The practical experience of our team demonstrates that when the fiscal and administrative burden is reduced, and the government applies intelligent economic stimulus measures, results follow quickly. Including in the form of increased budget revenues – as we ensured in 2019, after the substantial reduction of the payroll tax burden and the implementation of several economic stimulus projects, including ‘Prima Casă’ and public infrastructure development projects,” said Ion Chicu.

“Neutrality and democratic guarantees for all citizens” is the third pillar of the ALTERNATIVA Bloc and was presented by Alexandr Stoianoglo. He stated that Moldova’s neutrality does not only mean the permanent demand for the withdrawal of Russian troops and weapons from the country’s territory, but also the need to start negotiations with the Russian Federation, involving all international partners and good-faith mediators. “Neutrality is not just a guarantee that Moldova will not participate in armed conflicts. It also represents a national position condemning any war. At the same time, returning to democratic normality and a high level of human rights protection, including freedom of expression, press freedom, the presumption of innocence, and the establishment of high standards in justice – leads to increased national immunity against any destabilization attempt, including from abroad,” said Alexandr Stoianoglo.

The party currently in government prefers to ignore Transnistria and view the relationship with the region only through the lens of its own shadow revenues, rather than building, on its own initiative, a legal and coherent policy, said Mark Tkaciuk, member of the executive of the Party of Common Action – Civic Congress. He stated that “A strong Moldova means a reunified Moldova,” which is the fourth pillar of the ALTERNATIVA Bloc. “Solving the Transnistrian issue is not a risk, but a constructive challenge. A reunified Moldova is a country that guarantees its borders and, implicitly, its domestic market and foreign trade. The ALTERNATIVA Bloc is convinced that European integration and the peaceful reintegration of the Republic of Moldova are the two tracks of the same path – the path to success and development,” concluded Mark Tkaciuk.

In conclusion, the leaders of the ALTERNATIVA Bloc reiterated that all future alliances and collaborations they build will be based exclusively on the willingness to follow the path of national consolidation and unity.