Moldova continues on path to EU even without formal decision on clusters, says head of state

President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu says that the support and recognition received by the Republic of Moldova abroad represent acknowledgment of the efforts made by state institutions and citizens to safeguard democracy and continue the country’s European path.

The statements were made at a TV show, where the head of state spoke about the European integration process, relations with the European Union, and opposition accusations regarding alleged democratic backsliding.

Maia Sandu said that the Republic of Moldova is continuing preparations for the official opening of cluster-based negotiations with the European Union, even though the process is being influenced by talks between Ukraine and Hungary.

“Even if we do not yet have the cluster negotiations formally opened, we are still moving forward. We have not stopped and are not just sitting and waiting for the European Union’s decision,” the president said.

The head of state noted that Chișinău authorities would like an official decision on the next stage of negotiations to be taken by the end of June.

At the same time, the president rejected opposition accusations about the existence of a “dictatorship” in the Republic of Moldova, stating that such terms are being misused for political purposes.

“Those who accuse us of dictatorship, I suggest they go live in Russia for six months,” Maia Sandu said.

The head of state said that the situation in the Republic of Moldova cannot be compared with authoritarian regimes and cited international rankings on press freedom and freedom of association. She also said that the country’s real problems remain those in the justice system, agriculture, and other social and economic sectors.

Maia Sandu further said that protests and political actions financed illegally or with money originating from the Russian Federation do not represent genuine democratic expressions.

“Democracy is about the authentic representation of the people, not the representation of Kremlin or other paid interests,” the president said.