Victor Ponta stated in an interview with IPN that politicians in Chisinau must sit at the negotiating table instead of fighting if they want Moldova to join the European Union.
“Romania joined the European Union because political leaders signed the Snagov Pact and said: ‘We will not fight among ourselves on this issue.’ I see in Chisinau that the political battle is ongoing. Whoever is in power is very good and pro-European, while everyone else is anti-European. This is a lie, also in Romania,” said Victor Ponta, independent candidate for the Romanian presidency.
”Otherwise, the safest and fastest path is unification with Romania. Let me clarify, not by force. Romania won’t send its army to take Moldova, but only through a referendum in both countries. I would like such a referendum in Romania, and I am convinced that most Romanians would vote for it. After that, Moldova’s citizens would decide,” stressed the former Romanian prime minister.
Ponta also stated that the government in Chisinau must stop making empty political declarations. Moldova needs concrete actions to improve living standards.
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“Romania helps a lot, but less ideology will help you reach the European Union faster. Too much ideology and political battles will slow your path to the EU,” said Victor Ponta.
Ponta also discussed bilateral relations, regional security, and how Romania can continue to support Moldova in the EU accession negotiations.
Regarding his visit to Chisinau, Ponta noted that the city has improved in organization and appearance, though he expressed concern over inflation, emigration, and the threat from Russia. He emphasized that Moldova and Romania should unite through a referendum, not by force and that he would vote for it as a Romanian citizen.
Reflecting on his previous support for Moldova, Ponta said that the projects closest to his heart related to kindergartens and hospitals. He stressed that the most relevant sign of fraternity is improving the lives of ordinary people on both sides of the Prut River.
“One million, one and a half million Romanians and Moldovans could return if we offer the same conditions they have in Italy, Spain, or the UK,” he said.
Ponta also discussed Romania’s role in Moldova’s business development, suggesting that Romanian banks could invest in infrastructure to support economic growth. He underscored the importance of security, especially given the ongoing war in Ukraine.
On the hybrid war and the threat of disinformation, Ponta warned Moldova against making the same mistakes Romania has made in dealing with external influence. He advocated for the protection of freedom of expression, even for those opposing opinions, and stressed that blocking real accounts would be an error.
Ponta concluded by reaffirming the importance of Moldova’s EU integration and Romania’s ongoing support, stating that it is the most significant issue for Moldova’s future.