The prime minister of the Republic of Moldova travels to Bucharest

The first country visited by any new prime minister of the Republic of Moldova is usually an indication of this countrys foreign policy priorities

Valentin Țigău, 27.01.2016, 13:33

The first country visited by any new prime minister of the Republic of Moldova is usually an indication of this country’s foreign policy priorities, so the fact that Moldova’s new Democrat prime minister has chosen Bucharest before Moscow is a positive signal with regard to this country’s wish to stay on course for European accession.

The prime minister of the Republic of Moldova, Pavel Filip, had talks in Bucharest on Tuesday with Romania’s president Klaus Iohannis and prime minister Dacian Ciolos. The subject of the talks was the possibility of Romania granting financial assistance to Moldova to help it overcome the economic crisis. A serious commitment to reforms by the government in Chisinau and the resumption of talks with the International Monetary Fund would determine Romania to support these efforts.

Dacian Ciolos: “We are hoping to see a clear commitment to reform from the government of the Republic of Moldova, not just in words, but also in actions. In these conditions, the Romanian government is ready to support Moldova on its path to Europe, as well as its reform programme.”

Dacian Ciolos said his government first plans to grant assistance consisting in necessity products to Moldovan citizens in need and later to also grant reimbursable financial assistance to Moldova. Chisinau hopes to receive at least a first tranche of this package, which stands at 150 million euros. Prime minister Pavel Filip says one of the main objectives of his government is to ensure the country’s financial, economic and social stability.

Pavel Filip: “The reform timetable laid down in the association agreement with the European Union and re-launching cooperation with our foreign development partners is a priority of my cabinet.”

Pavel Filip also met president Klaus Iohannis, who assured him of Romania’s support. Klaus Iohannis: “You have the great opportunity, by carrying out solid reforms, to restore to the Republic of Moldova its political stability, economic stability and financial stability and to the citizens of the Republic of Moldova a sense of security and a sense that they have a government who takes care of the problems of Moldova and its people.”

According to the Bucharest media, in order to receive assistance from Romania, Moldova must appoint a National Bank governor and adopt anti-corruption and financial and banking legislation. Moreover, its government must receive a delegation of the International Monetary Fund in Chisinau. The Republic of Moldova is faced with a serious economic and political crisis.

Unless it signs a new agreement with the International Monetary Fund, it may go into financial meltdown. The country’s new government, however, which came to power after a long period of instability, has been strongly contested. Street protests are held in Chisinau, with both the pro-Russian and the pro-European supporters demanding its resignation and early elections.