Should Romanian be Moldova's official language?
The parliament in the Republic of Moldova is currently debating changing the country's official language. In future Romanian is to replace Moldovan in the country's constitution, in line with the declaration of independence of 1992. For some commentators the move would send a clear message to Moscow. Others call for traditions to be respected.
You shouldn't break with tradition
Deutsche Welle sees the change of language as uncalled for:
“The discussion about the official language in the Republic of Moldova should not neglect historical facts that are more relevant than they seem: the inhabitants of the Romanian provinces to the east of the Prut border river have spoken 'the Moldovan language' over their entire history. Even if the Moldovan and Romanian language are the same thing (with minor regional differences), the power of tradition shouldn't be ignored. The 'Moldovan language' bears the patina of time and the sweetness of a long-used language. ... And why dispense with old things if it's not absolutely necessary?”
Time to send a clear signal to Moscow
Journalist Vitalie Ciobanu explains on the website of Radio Europa Liberă why there is no time to lose in making Romanian the official language in the Republic of Moldova:
“It's absurd to say you're against Russian imperialism and at the same time have a source of Stalinist infection anchored in your constitution. ... Confusion about one's national identity provides fertile ground for Russian manipulation - which has long been practised in Bessarabia. This confusion is now evident in the separatist movements Moscow is fuelling within the EU. We should the have the courage and the honesty to reinstate the Romanian language. Such a gesture would amount to a declaration that the Republic of Moldova belongs to Western civilisation.”