Political

Four personalities join PAS parliamentary list: Nicolae Botgros, Constantin Cheianu, Maria Acbaș, and Marcel Spatari

The electoral list for the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) in the upcoming parliamentary elections on September 28 features several notable candidates, including master Nicolae Botgros, the conductor of the "Lăutarii" Orchestra; writer and publicist Constantin Cheianu; former Minister of Labor and Social Protection Marcel Spatari; and entrepreneur Maria Acbaș from the Autonomous Region of Gagauzia. Experts consider this decision logical, especially given the ruling party's recent personnel shortage.

PAS President Igor Grosu announced today during a press conference that four notable personalities were invited to run on the PAS electoral list. This invitation came from both party representatives and President Maia Sandu.

Master Nicolae Botgros stated that he joined the PAS team for the upcoming autumn parliamentary elections with the aim of "bringing Europe home."

"We must stand shoulder to shoulder with those who share our values, right here in our country, where we can achieve the most beautiful things. On September 28, let us make the right choice and move toward our goals. As musicians, we have travelled abroad and witnessed how people live everywhere, and we want to bring Europe home," declared the conductor of the "Lăutarii" Orchestra.

Maria Acbaș, an entrepreneur from Comrat, emphasized that the Gagauz ethnic group also desires a European future.

"If we want to change something, we must engage in dialogue rather than create divisions between Gagauz, Moldovans, Romanians, and Ukrainians. We need to sit at the same table. Our strength lies in our unity. I want to express that, despite what some may say, the Gagauz community wants development within the European Union and a better future for our children. We are grateful for the peace we enjoy and that we have not been forgotten, but we wish to unite to speak the same language," Maria Acbaș pointed out.

Writer Constantin Cheianu expressed his motivation for running on the PAS list in the autumn elections, aiming to prevent what he describes as "a national catastrophe" and "the theft of our country," which he believes would be "worse than stealing a billion."

"A theft of the country could happen following the parliamentary elections on September 28. Putin's interest in the Republic of Moldova is not about incorporating it into his empire, but rather about using it to open a second front in Ukraine," the writer said.

Marcel Spatari, the former Minister of Labor and Social Protection, expressed his support for the continuation of the reforms initiated by the current government. He stated, “All the reforms begun in the energy sector, the justice sector, and the European integration process, as well as the achievements in the social sector, must carry on. The efforts made by the authorities to promote social equity, increase pensions, reduce undeclared work contracts, and ensure social rights for the people should all continue.”

PAS leader Igor Grosu thanked four prominent personalities for agreeing to participate in the crucial elections on September 28, which he believes will significantly impact the future of the Republic of Moldova. He emphasized, “Now, the Republic of Moldova has real reasons to hope for development as a country where the rule of law prevails and which cannot be threatened or coerced. We are closer than ever to fulfilling the dreams of our parents and grandparents, and we aim to leave a positive legacy for our children. To achieve this, we must win these elections, which we can do with the support of everyone who cares about the well-being of this country, regardless of their political affiliations. It is essential for us to unite and rally all who love this land and are concerned about its future.”

Political analyst Ion Tăbârță commented on the ruling party’s decision, highlighting that it was a logical choice in light of the personnel shortages faced in recent years. He noted that while the candidate list includes prominent people like master Nicolae Botgros, the ruling party should also prioritize candidates with technical expertise. “This move is sensible for the ruling party,” he said. “During its mandate, it became evident that there was a shortage of personnel. Some members who were prominent in 2021 have since left, such as Ms. Gavrilița, Mr. Litvinenco, and more recently, Ms. Stamate. Hence, the party needs to attract well-known personalities who can regain the electorate's trust. The individuals selected are largely recognized public personalities. For instance, Mr. Nicolae Botgros is a notable electoral asset in terms of image, but it remains to be seen how he performs in terms of technical skills.”

The next parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova will be held on September 28.

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