Moldovans are likely to spend up to 65% of their income on electricity and gas bills this coming winter - Maia Sandu.
Moldovan President noted this in an article published in Politico newspaper on Monday. She stressed that today French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting in Paris the third meeting of the Moldova Support Platform, an initiative led by France, Germany and Romania. The forum is designed to mobilize much-needed aid ahead of winter. "Moldova seeks to finance its gas and electricity purchases from new sources and to support social schemes for the most vulnerable, which will help mitigate price increases. Over the past 12 months, the price of gas in our country has increased 7 times, and the price of electricity has increased 4 times. This winter, Moldovans will probably spend up to 65% of their income on electricity and gas bills," said Maia Sandu. "If we can light and heat homes in our country and make sure that schools and hospitals keep working and the wheels of the economy keep turning, it will mean that Moldovans - along with Ukrainians - will not need to seek refuge in other European countries in the coming cold season," Moldovan President stressed. According to her, even before winter arrives, the energy crisis and the economic consequences of the war in the neighborhood are already having a significant impact on people's lives, the country's economy and its future growth. For example, inflation is approaching 35%, prices have skyrocketed, trade routes are disrupted, and investor sentiment has weakened. As a result, the economy is likely to decline. President said that Moldovans chose freedom and democracy over authoritarianism and are now resolutely moving towards the European Union, but because of Russia's brutal aggression against neighboring Ukraine, our country now faces serious costs and increased risks, which threaten to derail Moldova's chosen path and weaken European security. Maia Sandu stressed that the current Moldovan authorities have been strengthening institutions, fighting corruption and supporting recovery from the pandemic over the past year. As a result, the country's economy grew by 14% in 2021. The country climbed to 49th place on Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, and its anti-money laundering rating was raised by the Council of Europe. In recognition of the country's challenging reforms in a difficult geopolitical context, the EU granted Moldova candidate status for membership in June of this year. "But instead of enjoying the benefits of deeper European integration, Moldovans are now struggling to cope with an acute energy crisis, a serious economic downturn and massive security threats," Moldovan President said. At the same time, she said, forces close to Russia and criminal groups have joined forces to exploit the energy crisis and foment discontent in Moldova, and they hope to provoke political upheaval. "Using a full range of hybrid threats, including false bomb reports, cyberattacks, disinformation, calls for social unrest and blatant bribery, they are working to destabilize the government, undermine our democracy and threaten Moldova's contribution to broader European security. Our vulnerability can weaken the resilience of Ukraine as well as the stability of the rest of the continent," the Moldovan head of state stressed. She stressed that Europe and Ukraine need a strong Moldova. "Strong enough to support Ukraine in times of war. Strong enough to maintain peace and stability in our region. Strong enough to shelter refugees. And strong enough to become the natural center for rebuilding southern Ukraine after the war. Just as Russia cannot be allowed to win in Ukraine, its hybrid methods cannot be allowed to work in Moldova. We will do our part to defend European values despite the hardships imposed on us. The price is high, and we are willing to bear the burden. But we cannot do it alone," concluded President of Moldova. // 21.11.2022 – InfoMarket
