Cristina Gherasimov is Moldova’s deputy prime minister for European Integration.
On Sunday (20 October), the people of Moldova stood at a crucial crossroads. In a referendum shaped by unprecedented external interference, a narrow majority voted to enshrine our country’s path to European Union (EU) accession in the constitution.
It was a democratic decision forged in the most challenging circumstances – a fair vote in an unfair fight. This outcome solidifies our commitment to joining the EU, a choice made by the people for the future they deserve.
The road to this referendum has been anything but easy. In recent months, Moldova has been under a coordinated and well-funded assault to destabilise its democracy.
Foreign forces hostile to our national interests, working hand in hand with domestic criminal groups, have unleashed a campaign of disinformation, manipulation, and corruption designed to derail our progress.
Around €100 million was funnelled into Moldova by Russia-backed proxies – not to build our future but to buy votes, spread lies, and sow fear. These attacks aimed to trap us in a cycle of instability, shake the foundations of our democracy, and pull us away from our European path.
Yet, Moldova’s response was clear and resolute. Despite the extraordinary external pressure, our people turned out to vote, and their voices were heard. The majority of Moldovans chose Europe, affirming that our future belongs in the European family.
While narrow, this result reflects the will of a nation determined to overcome its challenges and embrace a future of democracy, peace, freedom, and prosperity.
We are under no illusions. The battle we fought was not just at the ballot box – it was for the soul of our democracy. The tactics deployed by foreign actors sought to exploit our vulnerabilities, to fracture our society, and to weaken our institutions.
Russia’s ultimate goal was to turn Moldova away from its European aspirations and back toward a grey zone where the rule of law is fragile and corruption thrives. But its people refused to let these forces dictate our future.
This referendum also tested Moldova’s resilience – and we passed it. It demonstrated our collective will to secure a future that no foreign power or domestic force can take away from us.
But our fight is far from over. In just two weeks, Moldovans will be asked to choose between pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu and her Russia-backed opponent in the second round of the presidential election.
The vote on 3 November will decide Moldova’s next president and set the tone for next year’s parliamentary elections, which will further define our European trajectory.
The stakes could not be higher, and the eyes of the world are upon us. The integrity of this vote is critical, not only for Moldova but also for democracies around the world. The lessons learned here will resonate far beyond our borders.
We know the forces aligned against us will not rest. They will use every tool at their disposal – lies, dirty money, and attempts to divide us – to tilt the scales in their favour. Our people have already proven their resilience in defending democracy, and I am confident they will do so again.
To our friends and partners around the world: Moldova is on the frontlines of a global fight for democracy.
In this unfair fight, Moldova stands as a symbol of resilience and determination. Despite being outgunned and outfinanced, we have not given up. Our path to Europe is about values: peace, security, and democracy.
Moldova’s fight is about securing a free and democratic future in Europe, and with the referendum, we have taken another bold step.
But to finish the journey, we need the ongoing support of our European and global partners, from investment in our economy and institutions and assistance in combating disinformation to solidarity.
As we move forward, let’s remember that democracy is fragile but all worth defending. With our people’s determination and our partners’ support, Moldova will secure its place in the EU, and our future will be stronger and brighter.
Source link : https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/opinion/moldovas-path-to-eu-shows-how-to-defend-democracy-in-an-unfair-fight/
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Publish date : 2024-10-22 18:56:00
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