Shor: Instead of closing universities, we should attract foreign students
Instead of closing universities, the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Moldova should develop a plan to attract foreign students and propose specific measures so that higher education institutions in the country can win and grow. With such a proposal comes the chairman of the “SHOR” Party, Ilan Shor, in a video on his Facebook page. He strongly condemns the authorities’ decision to reorganise the higher education system, which will eventually lead to the de facto closure of several universities in Moldova. At the same time, Ilan Shor announced that the MPs of the party he leads will soon draft a bill on the establishment of an agency for the development of higher education. According to Shor, this structure should develop an effective strategy, but not provide for the closure or optimization of universities, as proposed by the current leadership of the Ministry of Education.
„I think the decision to close the universities is the height of malice towards one’s own electorate. First and foremost, any state is built on education. I understand that the right-wing parties have done everything possible over the last ten years to get record numbers of people to leave our country. Very soon, the diaspora will outnumber the inhabitants of our country. I understand that the right-wing parties are happy about this. They like this trend and are doing everything they can to maintain it. Closing higher education institutions is another way to increase the number of diaspora representatives. Secondly, we have heard the argument of the incompetent Minister of Education that the decision to close the universities will lead to a decrease in spending. Hey, man, have you ever thought not about how to reduce costs, but how to increase revenue? Instead of finding a formula to increase revenue for our universities, you’re looking at how to destroy them. Aren’t you stupid?” said Ilan Shor.
The leader of the “SHOR” Party also said that the only correct solution for the preservation and development of higher education institutions in Moldova is to attract foreign students, which will allow the development of the country’s economy as a whole.
„In my opinion, we currently have quality studies in Moldova. Most interestingly, they are some of the cheapest in the region. Why not find a formula that would allow us to attract foreign students to our country, who are happy to come to Moldova, study and gain knowledge? Why not bring in teachers from abroad who would contribute something new to our education system? Why not create a department to attract foreign students to our country, which would bring income to the universities? They will spend money in Moldova, eat, drink, go to restaurants, go to shops, go to cafes, rent apartments. But you are single-celled beings and you can’t think of such a thing. Better yet, why you can’t? If you can cut, clean, destroy and shut down – because this is the best you can. Where are the concrete solutions to the problems? Hey, right-wing parties, you were given another carte blanche, but you missed it,” Ilan Shor added.
Ilan Shor strongly condemns the measures proposed by the Ministry of Education and urges the entire government and the parliamentary majority to resign.
„Like any normal person, I and my team are categorically against the closure of universities. Moreover, in the near future, we will be putting forward a bill for the creation of a Higher Education Development Agency, which should be under the Government. This Agency should not only be in charge of carrying out an empty reform, of closing and destroying, but of a real reform about how Moldovan universities should earn money, how new campuses should be built, student dormitories, how children from villages should be given the opportunity to study in Chisinau, to get good knowledge and to have a place to live. Most importantly, all this should be free of charge! Since the incompetent Minister of Education cannot do this, the Agency, which we propose to create, will take care of the development of universities and will ensure that new branches are opened. Aren’t you ashamed to close down universities in Moldova? You have already stopped the oxygen. What else do you want to close? We demand from the current government to stop mocking the people! You are incompetent and incapable! Quit! Announce early elections! You know very well that you do not represent the people of the Republic of Moldova! Your mandate has expired. In just one year you have managed to dirty everything you could. Stop at once!”, concluded Ilan Shor.
The reform proposed by the Ministry of Education involves the absorption of more higher education institutions by larger universities. Among the institutions proposed to be optimised are the Tiraspol State University, the State Agrarian University, the State University of Physical Education and Sport, etc. Rectors, teachers and students are against this reform and believe that this decision will destroy many of the branches that are studied at these universities.
