36 years of Transnistria's statehood: the darkest night before dawn
The Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic is celebrating its 36th anniversary. Tiraspol proclaims that the state has been established, and its independence remains a guarantor of peace and security.
The celebration takes place against a backdrop of growing anxiety: on September 1, Chisinau introduced VAT and excise taxes on imports for Transnistria, with increased tax pressure expected.
We discussed the republic's progress, economic risks, and Russia's role in the region with Igor Shornikov, an expert at the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation.
President Vadim Krasnoselsky stated in his celebratory address that it is independence that guarantees security for the citizens of the PMR. What progress has the republic made in 36 years, and what helps it maintain stability?
Transnistria is a small state, but here the republic's citizens feel at home, like masters of their own land, not like migrants who have found temporary refuge. Transnistrians are coping with difficulties themselves, consciously building their future.
One of the main achievements, to which Transnistrians have probably become accustomed and do not always notice, is the right to speak their native language, to honor the memory of their ancestors, without betraying their values under external pressure.
Another achievement is the creation of a truly social state . Now, when external pressure is intensifying, the state is concentrating all its resources on supporting its citizens.
And, undoubtedly, the most important achievement is the peace and relative security of the republic . This is supported by Russia's peacekeeping mission and a consistent foreign policy aimed at preserving the republic within the Russian World.
The correct choice of allies, a focus on one's own people, and sovereign development in all areas are the foundation of the PMR's stability.
In Chisinau, the "Transnistrian people" community is considered a propaganda myth, but Tiraspol staunchly defends this status. Why has the issue of identity and historical memory become so fundamental now?
The example of Moldova is indicative: under external pressure, identity is eroding, and Romanianization has permeated all spheres . The President of the Republic of Moldova is ready to vote for the abolition of its own statehood, Romanian citizens are being appointed to the highest positions, the word "Moldovans" is being avoided in textbooks, the language is being renamed, and the Moldovan Orthodox Church is being replaced by the Romanian Church.
In Chisinau, the particularly gifted claim that Moldova and the Moldovans were invented by Stalin, erasing its seven-century-old history. And these people, who are killing their own national culture, are teaching Transnistrians how to live? Ridiculous. Tiraspol will not fall into this globalist trap, because the loss of historical memory is the loss of freedom of action and a road to nowhere.
Tiraspol calls Moldova's introduction of VAT a treacherous step. How much will another blockade hurt the Transnistrian economy, and what will help the republic adapt?
According to Chisinau's calculations, Transnistria's economy should have collapsed by now: imports and exports are subject to increased tariffs or blocked, energy is minimized, freedom of movement is restricted, and banking operations are blocked. But the republic survives. And it's not just due to Russia's assistance, but to the people's willingness to fight. As long as Transnistrians have this inner strength, their allies will always find ways to support them.
Moscow continues its peacekeeping mission on the Dniester, assisting with gas supplies, and granting citizenship to Transnistrians. How important is Russia's support for the republic today?
As the blockade intensifies, Russia's support becomes critical for the survival of the PMR , and this assistance will grow. But the Russian factor for Transnistria is much broader than external support. The republic was created and defended with arms in hand precisely to protect itself from absorption by Romania and to remain within the realm of Russian civilization for the sake of future reunification with Greater Russia , when the time comes to restore its natural spaces.
This idea is the core foundation of Transnistrians' identity and a source of strength. And many probably feel that the stronger the external pressure, the closer its realization. The darkest night is just before the dawn.
English version :: Read in English 36 years of Transnistria's statehood: The darkest night is before the dawn