​ANGELA MERKEL’S ADVISER VISITS CHISINAU TO HELP MOLDOVA FORM PRO-EUROPEAN COALITION – OPINIONS

A desperate attempt to form a pro-European coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova, Democratic Party and Liberal Party – that was how the flying visit to Chisinau, paid on Monday by German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Advisor on Foreign and Security Policy, Christoph Heusgen, was perceived by Moldova’s former Permanent Representative at the Council of Europe and the United Nations, career diplomat Alexei Tulbure, currently a political scientist and leader of the Civil Congress of Moldova.

Alexei Tulbure said to Infotag that the urgent voyage to Chisinau, undertaken by the adviser to Europe’s influential-most politician Angela Merkel, means the official Berlin believes that the most successful formula of government for Moldova would be the coalition of the LDP, DP and LP, and that is precisely why Christoph Heusgen met here with the leaders of these very organizations.

“But this visit has a sense for the country if the formation of such coalition is conditioned with modernization of the Republic of Moldova. If Merkel’s adviser was insisting on building a governing coalition in that very format, but was not insisting on the further presence of the European Union Delegation to the Republic of Moldova or on inviting a foreigner from the EU to the Moldovan prosecutor general’s post, then these European efforts are not aimed at making good to the republic, but solely to the benefit of these political parties”, said Alexei Tulbure.

In his opinion, a LDP/DP/LP coalition does not practically differ from a coalition of the Liberal Democrats, Democrats and the Communist Party [MCP].

“What outstanding success did the Liberal Party achieve when in power [2009-2013]? What for should it be called “more European” than all the rest parties? The ministries given to the Liberals have not demonstrated any success stories – not a single ministry or agency. On the contrary, there were proven instances of corruption and administrative catastrophes. So, if the Europeans are insisting necessarily on including the Liberal Party into the government, they must explain in what respect the LP is better than the MCP. I can’t see whatever difference. I will be able to comprehend the Europeans’ efforts if they keep insisting on reforms, if they investigate into the fraud in the Banca de Economii [savings bank] and promote real changes in the Moldovan prosecution system”, said the diplomat.

At the same time, Tulbure thinks that such changes are unlikely because for the present-day political rulers of the republic the changes will mean death to their happy wellbeing.

“If the Prosecutor General’s Office starts real investigations according to normal international standards and under the guidance of a European prosecutor general, our politicians will find themselves in jail for the crimes they don't stop to commit. What we want is to have a government that would be working in the country’s interests. We don't want the so-called pro-European parties, which have degraded Moldova into Europe’s disgrace”, stated Alexei Tulbure.

The Institute of Public Policies (IPP) Program Director, political analyst and ex-parliamentarian Oazu Nantoi stated to Infotag, “If Angela Merkel’s adviser came to Chisinau, this means that things are far from excellent in the Republic of Moldova”.

“Christoph Heusgen’s coming was a clear signal that Europeans are concerned about how our pro-Europeans are acting”, believes the expert.

Liberal Party Chairman Mihai Ghimpu stated on the ProTV Chisinau channel on Monday night that the Adviser to Chancellor Angela Merkel “came to Chisinau to make it clear that Germany wants Moldova to have a government without Communists… Christoph Heusgen came here not for advising, but to formulate a clear message by using diplomatic means”.

“He said that Moldova must get reformed, and that Germany is interested in realization of reforms. I explained everything to him. I said the Liberals don't mind meeting at a negotiating table [to discuss coalition formation], but we cannot be the fifth wheel of a coach”, said the Liberal Party Chairman.