Wine sector associations condemn statements by MP Sergiu Stefanco: False information that denigrates work of those involved in wine production

The wine sector associations condemn the statements made by MP of Democracy at Home party Sergiu Stefanco during the plenary session of Parliament, which targeted the activity of wine producers. The information is described as “false,” which highlights the “need to publicly withdraw the statements”.

The associations emphasized that the wine sector has for years been the target of Russian Federation embargoes and expressed concern that it has now become the target of Moldovan parliamentarians.

“Such irresponsible statements denigrate not only winemakers and the sector, but also the image of the Republic of Moldova. We are proud to have contributed to the creation of the national brand Wine of Moldova, which is spoken of with admiration worldwide. Moldova is considered one of the most decorated countries in Eastern Europe. In the last decade, Moldovan wines have won over 6,000 medals at international competitions, almost half of them gold medals,” the cited source noted.

The wine sector associations also pointed out a series of falsehoods and manipulations that were allegedly voiced by the MP.

“The top 20 positions in the list of companies subsidized by AIPA are not occupied by winemaking enterprises. It is also manipulation and a false accusation to claim that our winemakers re-bottle wine from Spain in order to pretend it is Moldovan. The Republic of Moldova imports flour, tomatoes, milk and many other products, but we primarily value local products and take pride in the success of every agricultural sector. The blow dealt by the Russian Federation embargoes was severe, bankrupting 70% of the wine sector at that time, but it pushed the sector to become competitive and to orient itself toward the European market, where our wine is respected and in demand, and currently 60% of the volume of wine products is exported to EU member states,” the source mentioned.

In the context of the statements made by Sergiu Stefanco, the wine sector associations have requested that the statements be publicly withdrawn.

“Given the facts presented and the gravity of the false statements made, which denigrate the work of all those involved in the production of wine products, we request the public withdrawal of the statements and the presentation of an official apology from the Parliament tribune,” the request states.

The document is signed by five entities from the wine sector and is addressed to representatives of Parliament and the Government.

The statements by Sergiu Stefanco were made on Thursday during a Parliament session. He alleged unfair access to subsidies by wine producers, presumed persons standing behind them, as well as that winemakers in our country re-bottle wines from Spain and claim they are Moldovan.