Vlad Filat: There are real possibilities to overcome the constitutional stalemate

Vlad Filat

Interview with Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat

Mr Prime Minister, you have recently met the leader of the opposition Party of Communists, Vladimir Voronin. Does this meeting mark the beginning of a political dialogue between the leadership and the opposition meant to overcome the political crisis?

Yes, we can say that it marks the beginning of a dialogue. In the context, I would like to reiterate the Liberal Democratic Party's stance that a way out of the political deadlock can be identified only within a dialogue between all the parliamentary parties. In my tenure of leader of the senior coalition party, which holds the chairmanship of the council of the ruling Alliance for European Integration, I invited the parliamentary opposition to a dialogue. Now, we can ascertain that the dialogue has been launched. Its success depends on the seriousness and responsibility in the approach towards the need to overcome the ongoing political stalemate. As I have repeatedly stated, snap parliamentary polls would bring about a disaster for Moldova. Thus, we should do our utmost to avoid them.

After meeting you, Mr. Voronin said that he would also discuss with representatives of the Democratic Party.

I am happy that a dialogue between the parliamentary parties, which is a must under the current circumstances, has finally started. It is normal to have this political communication. The problem is that we have not had it so far. Had we held a dialogue before, perhaps, we would have avoided the ongoing crisis. The junior coalition partner Liberal Party should also exchange opinions with the parliamentary opposition. Subsequently, we will sum up the outcomes of this dialogue in order to determine our direction towards a way out of the political crisis.

According to some sources, Vladimir Voronin has already met the deputy leader of the Democratic Party, Vlad Plahotniuc.

Mr. Voronin can meet whoever he wants. I for one we discuss only with Democrat leader Marian Lupu. As for the rest, I would like to refrain from commentaries, as they refer to the internal affairs of another party.

How do you see the development of this situation?

I am counting on the responsibility of all the parliamentary parties and on our common ability to identify a solution to the constitutional stalemate faced by the country. There are real possibilities to overcome it. Our task is to take advantage of them. When it comes to the interest of the country and of our citizens, no other priorities should emerge.

Lately, several political actors have been named as prospective presidential candidates. Whom do you see in this position?

Our main mistake over this period was that talked too much about potential presidential contenders, instead of looking for real solutions to overcome the crisis. This fact, along with the lack of political dialogue with the opposition, has thrown us into the current situation. Now, it is important to consider eventual solutions, and not potential candidates. Otherwise, we might deepen the crisis.

What if the attempt to reach a consensus in the parliament fails?

The Liberal Democratic Party sees only two ways out of the political deadlock in case the dialogue between the parliamentary parties fails. We will have to work out a new draft constitution, with the participation of civil society, which might be eventually adopted at a nationwide referendum. The new constitution would finally give clear-cut answers and solutions to the problems we are facing, including the form of government, the role of the prosecution in the state, etc. Also, we are to decide upon the presidential election procedure. In this respect, the PLDM sticks to the firm stance that the head of state should be elected by the people. Furthermore, over 70 per cent of Moldovans are sharing our views on the matter.

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