New Moldovan party enters race amid Plahotniuc issues
The Modern Democratic Party of Moldova (PDMM), formerly known as "Pro-Moldova," a political entity led by Andrian Candu—the godson of Vladimir Plahotniuc, the former leader of the Democratic Party—announced its participation in the September 28 parliamentary elections on Tuesday, August 12.
The announcement was made at a press conference attended by the party's leader, Boris Foca, and Vladimir Cebotari, a member and former Minister of Justice.
According to Boris Foca, who also serves as the president of the Moldova-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the new party he leads is a direct successor to the former Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM), which was led by Vladimir Plahotniuc, and the government that was in power from 2016 to 2019.
Vladimir Cebotari, for his part, urged his former PDM colleagues to unite their efforts for "a better future."
When asked about Plahotniuc's connection to the party, Vladimir Cebotari stated that the former Democratic Party leader, who was arrested in Greece, now has other challenges to overcome.
“Of exceptional gravity”: Another extradition request for Vladimir Plahotniuc has been sent to Greece, the General Prosecutor's Office clarifies.
"For Mr. Plahotniuc to return to politics, as I said, he first has a series of steps to take. The first of these steps today is for him to be brought back to the Republic of Moldova. But we are not discussing these things today and we are not changing the focus. We are not anyone's lawyers, and we have a different line of communication with citizens today. Let's leave this to the authorities and to Mr. Plahotniuc's lawyers," said Vladimir Cebotari.
It is worth recalling that recently, Vladimir Plahotniuc issued a public appeal through his lawyers, urging his former team to mobilize.
The "Pro-Moldova" party was officially registered in June 2020 by Andrian Candu, Vladimir Plahotniuc's godson, who had previously served as vice-president of the Democratic Party.
According to analysts, the revival of certain parties just before election campaigns is an increasingly common phenomenon in the Republic of Moldova, intended to fragment the electorate. Watchdog expert Andrei Curăraru previously warned that this risk is higher for the pro-European electorate, and this phenomenon benefits pro-Russian parties.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
