DEPUTY SPEAKER CLAIMS AUTHORITIES SUCCEEDED IN REFORMS IN 2018

The expiring 2018 year in general may be regarded as a good year, when the authorities managed to conduct the claimed reforms despite massive criticism, said Valeriu Ghiletchi, the Deputy Chairman of the Parliament, representative of the European People's Party of Moldova (EPPM), which is a part of the ruling majority together with the Democratic Party.

At the Monday's public debates on the results of 2018 he said that this year was characterized both by certain successes and challenges, thus it is difficult to give an unambiguous assessment to it.

"However, this was a year of stability and peace, which is important, especially in the context of future parliamentary elections. The government managed to ensure socio-economic development: GDP is growing, as well as budget revenues, salaries and pensions; restrictions for business environment were reduced by means of lowering the number of mandatory permitting documents and supervisory structures", the politician said.

According to him, the greatest problem in Moldova is still the judiciary, which will remain for the new Parliament for resolving.

Among other problems, the Deputy Speaker mentioned the invalidation of the Chisinau mayor election results, regarding it as unacceptable, as well as the instability of the political situation and the cooling of relations with European partners.

Commenting on the protests, Ghiletchi said that civil actions cannot be regarded as an indicator of instability - citizens demonstrate disagreement and this is absolutely normal.

"Another thing is concerning - the opposition's aggressive rhetoric against the country leadership, who are called thieves, criminals, traitors. If we are building a democratic state, we should leave room for dialog. In particular, after parliamentary elections, a ruling majority should be formed in the new parliament and if all the bridges are burn, it is unclear how citizens will trust the future authorities", the politician said.