Hussar in Moldova: Democracy and freedom must be defended every day

TALLINN - Speaking before the Moldovan parliament on Tuesday, Speaker of the Riigikogu Lauri Hussar said that democracy should never be taken for granted and that strong democratic institutions are now more important than ever.

"Estonia and Moldova are united by a deep understanding of what it means to build and defend a democratic state. We know from our history that democracy, sovereignty, and freedom are never guaranteed and cannot be taken for granted. Instead, we must defend and strengthen them every day," Hussar emphasized in his speech.

According to the Speaker of the Riigikogu, parliaments have a central role in the current security environment, as they are the bearers of democratic legitimacy, oversight, and accountability. "At a time when disinformation, external pressure, and hybrid threats seek to weaken our societies from within, strong democratic institutions are more important than ever," he said.

Hussar commended the Moldovan parliament, government, and people for keeping the country on its European Union course following the parliamentary elections held in the autumn. According to Hussar, Moldova has shown remarkable determination in pursuing democratic reforms and a European future.

The Speaker of the Riigikogu affirmed that Estonia is ready to share its experiences and, as a dedicated partner, ally, and friend, unwaveringly supports Moldova on its path to joining the European Union. He also announced that Estonia has decided to open its embassy in Chișinău, becoming the 18th EU member state to do so.

Hussar is visiting Moldova together with Speaker of the Latvian Saeima Daiga Mieriņa and Speaker of the Lithuanian Seimas Viktorija Čmilytė-Nielsen. The visit began yesterday, when the Baltic speakers met with Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament Igor Grosu and held a joint press conference. This morning, the speakers met with Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu.

Also scheduled during the visit are meetings with Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri, and Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Cristina Gherasimov. They will also meet with representatives of all factions of the Moldovan parliament, civil society organizations, and local governments and entrepreneurs from the Călărași region, as well as visit a business incubator.