Irina Vlah, ex-Bashkan of the southern Moldovan autonomous region of Gagauzia and an ex-Member of the central Government of Moldova, is launching a new project – a civil society association “Platforma Moldova”, she announced at a press conference held in News Agency INFOTAG on Thursday.

“The political changes of the last two years have been accompanied by the degradation of democracy and a decline in citizens’ trust in the authorities. Never since the declaration of independence has the Moldovan society been so greatly divided as now. There has never been such an enormous distance between the pseudo-elite and the grassroots. Moldova has never had such a bad Government as it has now,” Vlah said.

According to her, “random people” are appointed to crucial state posts.   

“Great expectations turned into a great depression. Against this background, the central authorities are focused on foreign policy and geopolitical issues. In practice, domestic policy issues, social issues, and serious problems our citizens are facing have disappeared from the ruling party’s agenda. Democracy is degrading, but TV screens keep talking about the rule of law and democracy. The press is censored, fundamental rights are violated, professionals are ignored, and inexperienced people loyal to the authorities are promoted,” Vlah said.

In order to rectify the situation, Vlah announced that she is launching a civil society association “Platforma Moldova”, which is open to everyone who wants to contribute to the development of the country - in word, knowledge or experience, including to the representatives of the opposition, “who must unite efforts against the PAS dictatorship”.   
    
Before the press conference, Irina Vlah stated she was “entering national politics.” During the conference, she did not answer questions, and did not say whether Platforma Moldova is a political project or a public association.