José Manuel Barroso: Moldova’s EU path is easier after parliament vote
Former President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso believes that Europeans need to expedite the process of European Union enlargement, specifically with reference to the Republic of Moldova. In a special edition of Euronews Romania, Barroso praised the results of the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova and the country's success in overcoming Russian interference, noting that this is good news for Europe as well.
"I know that there have been many attempts at manipulation and disinformation by the forces in Russia, but despite them, President Maia Sandu has achieved a result that is extraordinary and that confirms Moldova's European path. It is an extraordinary day for them and for the region, I would say," said José Manuel Barroso.
Even though he believes that Moldova's path to EU accession is easier after the parliamentary elections, the former President of the European Commission says that the country's significant vulnerability lies in Transnistrian region. Asked whether EU integration is possible without this part of the country, Barroso gave the example of Cyprus.
"I think we have to accept an issue. There is an important example with Cyprus, where a significant part of the country is still occupied by Turkey. But Cyprus is an efficient and proud member of the European Union. It is a pity that the island remains divided, but this was not a danger for accepting Cyprus into the EU, and it would not be for Moldova, if it meets all the conditions for membership," the former President of the European Commission stressed.
Jose Manuel Barroso, for 12 years, held positions in the European Commission, in the Council and he was also Prime Minister of Portugal.
Preliminary results of the parliamentary elections on September 28 show that five electoral contestants will enter the new Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Moldova. The Central Electoral Commission has completed the counting and centralization of the minutes, and the data confirm that the pro-European party founded by Maia Sandu has exceeded the 50% threshold of votes and will govern the Republic of Moldova for the next four years.
The Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) scored 50.20% of the votes (792,557), followed by the "Patriotic" Bloc with 24.17% (381,505 votes). The "Alternative" Electoral Bloc obtained 7.96% (125,685), the Our Party – 6.20% (97,852), and the "Democracy at Home" Party – 5.62% (88,679).
The other competitors did not reach the threshold necessary to enter the Legislative.
According to the estimates of the ADEPT Center, based on these results, PAS would get 55 mandates of deputies, the "Patriotic" Bloc - 26 mandates, the "Alternative" Bloc - eight mandates, and the Our Party and the "Democracy at Home" Party - six mandates each.
