Moldovan parliament speaker in Geneva says Moldovans to have to choose - leave Moldova prey to foreign state, or move forward on path to EU membership

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu has delivered a speech at the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, held in Geneva. In his speech, the speaker addressed the challenges faced by Moldova and the role of legislative institutions in protecting democracy and citizens.

'The parliament of Moldova is firmly committed to supporting peace, justice and sustainable development. We have promoted essential reforms to strengthen the rule of law, and recently, we have advanced in the process of integration into the European Union - a project of peace and prosperity that unites us in a community of values. In these times, the role of parliaments is not just to create laws, but also to protect democracy, protect citizens and maintain peace,’’ emphasized Igor Grosu.

The speaker also referred to the support provided by other states to Moldova, which has contributed to advancing its European journey. ‘’For Moldova, a country that has chosen the path of democratic development and European integration, cooperation and dialogue with you during all these years have been crucial. You have encouraged us and stood by us in challenging times, and this support has made us resolute in the reforms we have initiated in our country. We believe in the peaceful and prosperous future of the European Union and we believe that we can defend peace, democracy and unity together,’’ the parliament speaker said

In the context, the speaker noted the challenges faced by Moldova, which for three years has been at the edge of a relentless war initiated by the Russian Federation in Ukraine: ‘’In just the last few weeks, two large Ukrainian cities, Odesa and Chernivtsi, located at the border with Moldova, have been attacked. Drones and missiles heading towards Ukrainian targets fly over our country's airspace. We stand with Ukraine, which is our neighbor, our partner and a future member, alongside us, in the European Union. Over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees continue to stay in our country.’’

Igor Grosu also referred to the authorities' reform agenda, which includes essential measures for strengthening the rule of law. ‘’In the face of these threats, Moldova, from day one, has chosen to stay steadfast in its positions and sincerely advocate for peace, respect for international law and support for a rule-based global order,’’ the parliament speaker specified.

Igor Grosu also touched upon the upcoming parliamentary elections, due in the autumn. ‘’Moldovans will have a choice - either we let Moldova become prey to a foreign state like the Russian Federation, which wants to control it through oligarchic and crime rings, or we continue towards integration and EU membership in a state of law, democratic and prosperous, in the right direction. Moldovans have always known how to choose what is good for their families and their country in times of crisis. But we have seen how, at the presidential elections, the Russian Federation, through criminal groups, used enormous amounts of money, billions, to compromise our European future. And here I give you just one example: a Russian bank opened over 138,000 accounts to influence the results through payments to voters,’’ Igor Grosu emphasized.

The World Conference of Speakers of Parliament takes place on July 29-31. At its sixth edition, the meeting is hosted by the Palace of Nations, the UN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The event's agenda includes a plenary session debate and more discussion panels on inter-parliamentary cooperation, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, the role of parliaments in shaping the digital future and protecting and promoting the rights of people in vulnerable situations.

The World Conference of Speakers of Parliament is organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations. The meeting takes place once every five years and represents a forum for high-level involvement and dialogue between parliamentary leaders worldwide.