​ PRESIDENT DODON BELIEVES MOLDOVA MUST SOLVE ITS PROBLEMS BY ITSELF – WITHOUT PANHANDLING

President Igor Dodon is convinced that Moldova can and must solve its problems all by itself. “Without going cap in hand to international donors”, he stated during the news conference he organized on Wednesday evening at Condrita, a presidential countryside residence situated in a picturesque locality on the Dniester River 30 kilometers off Chisinau.

Journalists asked the head of state about possible suspending of external funding for Moldova. Such proposals were heard last few days from the largest factions in the European Parliament – from the European People’s Party (EPP) and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), who voiced their disagreement with the Moldovan Parliament’s decision to introduce the mixed electoral system in the republic.

“This is indeed unpleasant news. But this is the headache of our Government and the ruling coalition. The president can influence on taking certain decisions, but only insignificantly and not for long. The state power in Moldova belongs to the Democratic Party. It is responsible for everything here, so it must think”, stated Igor Dodon.

He said it is unpleasant also that Moldova constantly begs and counts on external financial assistance.

“We are an independent country, so we must try and solve our problems without panhandling at every corner. By the way, the history of our republic has already seen such periods of independent development”, remarked the president.

Concerning the possible suspension of external funding, Dodon said this may lead to a snap election or to revision of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement.

“As for the economic component of the Association Agreement, there is a real need of revising the component. And looking at things in general, I would like to ask: why were Europeans giving money to us turning a blind eye to what was actually happening here? They knew and saw that their money was plundered. We told them that they were backing and feeding bandits. It was obvious. If the external partners decide to suspend funding now, then let our all-knowing government handle the problem. If they can’t – let them tender resignation. Then we will come to power and shall solve the problems – together with Europeans, and Americans, and Russians, and Arabs”, said President Dodon.

In his words, “The foreign financial assistance was embezzled through the fault of those who were aware of the situation here, but were silent, and continued to give money, and supported governments here proceeding from a purely geopolitical principle. They said they were providing money for reforms. Now they can see there is neither money nor reforms”.