In an interview with Radio Chisinau – a brainchild of Radio Romania, in collaboration with the Romanian Government’s Department for Romanians Abroad – Nicolae Timofti voiced his belief that European integration is the one idea that could draw together a society divided by ethnicity, political views and cultural differences. Moldova’s relation with Romania is also among Timofti’s top priorities. He openly said he wishes Bucharest to be one of his first destinations. Timofti believes that the need for close relations between the two countries is based on their common roots. President Nicolae Timofti:

“I am certain that relations with Romania need to be the closest and the strongest, as they are rooted in a unique history and common culture. We have a lot in common.”

At domestic level, Timofti is concerned with corruption plaguing state institutions, warning that the phenomenon dwindles the population’s faith in the justice system and its ability to ensure that laws are upheld. Rebuilding this trust – Nicolae Timofti said – can be achieved by guaranteeing that judges are impartial, by raising wages in the judicial system and a proper application of the principle of impartiality. Timofti admitted that the Moldovan judicial system is in need of a large-scale cleanup.

Analysts in Chisinau see the new president as a balancing factor for the country’s political class. On the one hand, he is determined to contribute to stabilizing the Alliance for European Integration, clearly affected by dissensions. Additionally, Timofti might attempt reconciliation between the communist opposition and the pro-European power. This would be no easy task. The communists are currently on parliamentary strike, claiming that parties in the ruling Alliance have abusively taken over power in the state, and fervently contested Nicolae Timofti’s legitimacy as president.