Moldova's PAS party loses two MPs after election win
Dinu Plîngău, a candidate on the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) list, has stated that his decision to become a non-affiliated Member of Parliament (MP) will not affect his support for the country’s pro-European parliamentary majority.
He said his priority remains backing essential reforms and projects necessary for the country’s European integration.
"The pro-European governing majority will comprise 55 MPs. Any other internal or legal organisational matters will be discussed separately. It's important for every decision to be clear and explained to the citizens, to avoid speculation or misinterpretation," Mr Plîngău specified during a show on Tv8.
The former leader of the "Dignity and Truth Platform" (DA) emphasized that his position is not shifting and that the decision to become a non-affiliated MP was announced back in July.
"It was an extremely difficult campaign. A lot of people got involved, although they are not members of PAS. Many citizens who have no connection to political parties worked in this campaign, hoping that pro-Russian forces would not come to power and that the country would continue its European path. We owe a huge debt to those who voted, given the amount of personal dedication and effort invested," Mr Plîngău explained.
Addressing the issue of political appointments, he clarified he would not seek any post for himself or his DA Platform colleagues. "I have not, and will not, ask for office," he stated.
"I requested one thing only from my colleagues in PAS – not because I want it, but because it is fair to the press, to civil society, and especially to the people who voted for European integration – that things be more transparent," Mr Plîngău added.
He reported that he has not yet decided whether he will return to the leadership of the DA Platform, but he intends to resume dialogue with its members.
"Time will tell. The essential thing is that I will stand by the citizens and continue to represent them," Mr Plîngău stated.
PAS President Igor Grosu clarified there was no prior request for Mr Plângău and Stela Macari to remain members of the PAS parliamentary group after their inclusion on the party's election list.
Mr Grosu added that he was surprised by the pair's announcement to become independent MPs before their mandates were validated by the Constitutional Court.
"We received public assurances that they will support the government and the European integration agenda, and we acknowledge this position," Mr Grosu stressed during a show on Jurnal TV.
Asked if including the two on the PAS list was a mistake, Mr Grosu answered that this step was a reaction to the request from the public and society for pro-European forces to unite.
He reiterated that support for the European integration agenda would not be affected and that the candidates' position had been publicly clarified.
Moldova elected its new 101-seat parliament on 28 September. The Action and Solidarity Party secured over 50% of the vote, giving it 55 seats.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
