Hello everyone! This week I had the privilege of being asked by the Kennan Institute, a part of the Wilson Center, to write a piece on the Moldovan elections and their implications. I’d like to share a link to the piece and ask you all - what are your thoughts on the election outcome? What kind of challenges await the new government? and what do you think of my take?
A truly brilliant synopsis, David and your assessment, I believe, is spot-on. Now it remains for the PAS government to deliver on its promises of 'good times;' much easier said than done. Its success can only be assured if Moldovan citizens put aside the tribalism - East vs West, Russian vs EU, government vs the people - and stand united behind Ms. Sandu and her government as they attempt, once and for all, to throw off the yoke of corruption and cronyism - to which the country and its potential have been captive so long - and implement these ambitious reforms.
Hey David - thanks much! I completely agree that there is much work ahead. There is ambition, will, political mandate, and political power. The question is only what they will manage to do with it.
Great piece, David, and have been following your election news reports with great interest. As you know I've been visiting/volunteering in Moldova for nearly a decade. I am so very encouraged by the decisive voice of the people in favor of the future. Now to get the job done, which is never easy. BTW, one of my daughters (the former PCV) now works for the NGO Checchi/Nexis and is the US-based project manager for their recently started Moldova rule of law project. Am hopeful that when COVID settles down she will have a chance to visit my much-loved Moldova in person. Hoping to be back this fall myself. Keep up the great work on all fronts!
I enjoyed reading your article. A little bit long, but very well argued, in my opinion. As usual, you manage to capture the essential and explain it in a clear and flowing way. It is perfect, especially for those less accustomed to Moldovan realities. Congratulations!
I think the biggest challenge for the new government is the enormous expectations of the people. Realistic or exaggerated, these expectations are on the verge of a new disappointment. Let's hope that PAS will know how to strike a good balance between real possibilities and people's hopes! Another challenge I think would be: how to fight corruption and bandits, using only the legal means of an imperfect legal system anyway? Finally, as you mentioned, a change of substance also depends on the professionals you can bring, or not, to the leadership of all state institutions.
However, as never before in the last 12 years, the new leadership of the country has all the chances and all the support - internal and external - not to fail. So let's be optimistic!
Thanks Tino! Yes I agree there are serious challenges especially about reforming the justice system. But as you say there is a real chance here and a historic one. So let's see what happens!
A truly brilliant synopsis, David and your assessment, I believe, is spot-on. Now it remains for the PAS government to deliver on its promises of 'good times;' much easier said than done. Its success can only be assured if Moldovan citizens put aside the tribalism - East vs West, Russian vs EU, government vs the people - and stand united behind Ms. Sandu and her government as they attempt, once and for all, to throw off the yoke of corruption and cronyism - to which the country and its potential have been captive so long - and implement these ambitious reforms.
Hey David - thanks much! I completely agree that there is much work ahead. There is ambition, will, political mandate, and political power. The question is only what they will manage to do with it.
See you in September. Keep the cider cold!
Great piece, David, and have been following your election news reports with great interest. As you know I've been visiting/volunteering in Moldova for nearly a decade. I am so very encouraged by the decisive voice of the people in favor of the future. Now to get the job done, which is never easy. BTW, one of my daughters (the former PCV) now works for the NGO Checchi/Nexis and is the US-based project manager for their recently started Moldova rule of law project. Am hopeful that when COVID settles down she will have a chance to visit my much-loved Moldova in person. Hoping to be back this fall myself. Keep up the great work on all fronts!
Thanks Lani! very exciting about your daughter's new position!
Hi David!
I enjoyed reading your article. A little bit long, but very well argued, in my opinion. As usual, you manage to capture the essential and explain it in a clear and flowing way. It is perfect, especially for those less accustomed to Moldovan realities. Congratulations!
I think the biggest challenge for the new government is the enormous expectations of the people. Realistic or exaggerated, these expectations are on the verge of a new disappointment. Let's hope that PAS will know how to strike a good balance between real possibilities and people's hopes! Another challenge I think would be: how to fight corruption and bandits, using only the legal means of an imperfect legal system anyway? Finally, as you mentioned, a change of substance also depends on the professionals you can bring, or not, to the leadership of all state institutions.
However, as never before in the last 12 years, the new leadership of the country has all the chances and all the support - internal and external - not to fail. So let's be optimistic!
Thanks Tino! Yes I agree there are serious challenges especially about reforming the justice system. But as you say there is a real chance here and a historic one. So let's see what happens!