Petrenko: Oligarchy is trying to divide us, which means they are afraid

“Failure to comply with the recommendations of the Venice Commission by the current regime (as already hinted by Plahotniuc’s lackey Candu and so-called President Dodon) will lead not only to a loss of financial support from external partners. I am absolutely sure that this will be another proof of the fact that in the Republic of Moldova a dictatorial regime has emerged that has nothing to do with democracy, human rights, or a state of laws,” Petrenko said.

At the same time, according to the former deputy, “ignoring the recommendations of the Venice Commission and ODIHR will be a step towards non-recognition by the European community of future elections as free, democratic and fair, organized in accordance with international norms and standards in this field.”

Also, according to Petrenko, it is very important that the opposition forces of the country unite against Plahotniuc’s intention to stack the Parliament with candidates loyal to the regime.

“It is very important not to stop, it is essential that all opposition forces unite against the current regime, against the intentions of Plahotniuc to promote a parliamentary system composed of people that please him. The regime is trying to divide us, which means that they are afraid of the opposition, afraid of civil society, afraid of the people. Plahotniuc’s media, specializing in disinformation, are trying every day to portray us as extremists who are dangerous to society, who want to destabilize the political situation. This means that they are afraid of our forces, afraid of our activity — it means that we are right.

“We want to live in a country with social justice, a free and democratic country where laws and institutions function. We do not want an electoral system for the benefit of Plahotniuc, we do not want the kind of a stability that gives way to state gangsterism. NO to the attempt to change the electoral system!” said the former deputy.

Recall that on May 5 the deputies belonging to the parties of oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc and President Igor Dodon approved, on the first reading, a bill to amend the electoral system (to include single-mandate voting and a mixed ballot), without waiting for the conclusions and recommendations of the Venice Commission.

The decision by the deputies of the Democratic Party (PDM) and Socialist Party (MDBGS) angered the opposition and civil society, who took to the streets to protest and promised large-scale demonstrations if the project to change the electoral system is not withdrawn.

Video: Grigory Petrenko’s audio message to June 11 protest.

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Translated by Greg Butterfield