Moldova: EPP Group supports pro-European Liberal Democrats

Following the ratification of the Moldova Association Agreement in the European Parliament, EPP Group Members went to Chisinau to support the Liberal Democrats, of the pro-European camp in Moldova, in their electoral campaign. Sandra Kalniete, EPP Group Vice-Chair responsible for Eastern European Policy and Enlargement, Michael Gahler, EPP Group Rapporteur on Moldova, Jaromír Štětina, Vice-Chair of the Subcomittee for Security and Defence, and Andrzej Grzyb, EPP Group Coordinator in the Human Rights Subcommittee of the European Parliament, took part in the mission. During their stay they met with Iurie Leanca, Prime Minister, Vlad Filat, Chairman of the Liberal Democrats in Moldova, and Dorin Recean, Minister of the Interior. They also held consultations with representatives of the Justice Ministry. The Members attended various rallies to communicate to Moldovans the impact of the Association Agreement and their pro-European choice.

"Since 2009 the Moldovan government has advanced its relations with the EU. Moldovans with biometric passports enjoy a visa-free regime with the European Union. The Association Agreement with the EU is signed and ratified by the European Parliament. However the free choice to continue this course lies with the people. In the upcoming parliamentary elections, Moldovans will decide whether they wish Moldova to get even closer to the EU or to reverse its course and join the Russian-led Customs Union. The European Parliament has explicitly acknowledged the ambition of the current goverment to bid for EU membership in 2015. The left and right-wing extremists in the European Parliament voted against the Association Agreement. The EPP Group supports the Liberal Democrats in Moldova as the guarantors of the pro-European course of Moldova," said Sandra Kalniete MEP.

"I hope that the overwhelming support by the European Parliament for the Association Agreement with Moldova will be echoed in the upcoming elections," said Michael Gahler MEP. The Liberal Party of Moldova (PLDM) is an observer member of the European People's Party (EPP).

Moldovan parliamentary elections take place on 30 November 2014.