CHISINAU. Jan 31 (Interfax) - Several political parties in Moldova have announced plans to form a political bloc to oppose the current authority in the next parliamentary election.
The National Alternative Movement (MAN), the Party of Development and Consolidation of Moldova (PDCM), Civil Congress and the team of former presidential candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo are creating an Alternative bloc, their leaders, Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban, former prime minister Ion Chicu, former lawmaker Mark Tkaciuk and Stoianoglo told a press conference on Friday.
"Our society has long needed politicians to unite in the interest of citizens, their needs and aspirations," Ceban said.
"Today, here and now we are announcing our intention to create the Alternative political bloc that will consist of three parties and the team of Mr. Alexandr Stoianoglo led by him. We are talking about unity and striving to work in the interest of the state. People want there to be a viable alternative of professionals capable of providing solutions and restoring people's confidence in government," Ceban said.
"This is probably the first case in Moldova's recent history where leaders have decided to put aside political ambitions and unite in the hope of showing the results expected by citizens," he said.
"Our country's European integration does not need to be carried out with declarations or promises that are not destined to materialize. It needs to be carried out through real action, our country's modernization, higher living standards. [...] We urgently need to take Moldova out of the crisis, save the Republic of Moldova and steer it down the path of creation," Ceban said.
The bloc will be run "by consensus," its leaders said.
It is going to prepare for the parliamentary election due this fall, Tkaciuk said.
Former prosecutor general Stoianoglo ran for president as an independent, but with the support of the Party of Socialists. He reached the second round with nearly 26% of the vote. During the runoff, he mustered 44.65% and lost to the incumbent, Maia Sandu.