Moldova's unification with Romania, a ‘self-evident’ option for Moldovans with Romanian citizenship; foreign affairs minister explains in which cases concerned decision can be taken

In the event of a referendum on the unification of the Republic of Moldova with Romania, it would be supported primarily by Moldovans who hold Romanian citizenship, Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister Mihai Popsoi has said. The official specified that such decisions can be taken only in extremely difficult contexts, when people’s lives, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state are under threat.

Asked by journalist Cristina Popescu whether he would vote for the unification of Moldova with Romania, Popsoi stressed that the answer “should be self-evident” for those who have Romanian citizenship.

“I don’t think it’s a secret to anyone that, for those who hold Romanian citizenship, the answer should be obvious. This decision is not a simple one – if it were simple, it would have already happened. And as long as there is no majority of citizens who support this goal in a democratic context – and the Republic of Moldova is a democratic state – such a decision can be taken only with a broad majority of citizens, regardless of the wishes or vote of any particular politician,” the deputy prime minister said at the programme, At 360 Degrees, on Radio Moldova.

Referring to President Maia Sandu’s statement to British journalists, in which she said she would vote for unification with Romania, Popsoi emphasized that such a decision can be taken “when the situation gets out of control.”

“We cannot hide behind a finger, given the existential danger to the life and integrity not only of our territory, but also of the physical safety of our citizens. If the Russian Federation were to get much too close to our borders – and it has already come closer since 2014 – if the situation were to get out of control and events were to unfold in such a way that our existence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the lives of our citizens were directly threatened, such decisions are taken in such complicated moments. However, we want to live in peace and we hope that international partners, Ukraine and the Russian Federation – which initiated this conflict – will reach a sustainable and lasting peace agreement,” Popsoi said.

The deputy prime minister also pointed out that the president’s statement was not new for those who understand the specifics of politics in Moldova. Maia Sandu has answered this question repeatedly.

“In extremely complicated realities and in a world going through geopolitical turbulence, today’s circumstances do not allow me to say that Moldova has guaranteed security or entirely clear prospects. As has earlier said, as long as Moldova faces difficulties, this discussion is relevant,” the official added.

President Maia Sandu has recently said that, if a referendum were organized, she would vote for unification with Romania. At the same time, she noted that support for this option was not widespread within the political class, which is why the European integration stays the only realistic solution for protecting the sovereignty and survival of Moldova, in the context of regional and global developments.