You're reading: Acting president ready to lead Moldova to a ‘bright European future’

Mihai Ghimpu, the acting president of Moldova, on Aug. 27 says his country has much to accomplish.

"Living in an independent state is the most important thing for its citizens. Happiness is impossible without freedom. Citizens of Moldova do not yet feel the kind of independence that leads to happiness and prosperity," Ghimpu said at a briefing marking Moldova’s Independence Day on Friday.

This stems from the fact that "for many years Moldova lived under occupation and was forced to obey Soviet, totalitarian, communist laws," he said.

"But I am confident that our freedom is not far. Moldova will be an independent, sovereign and free state. We must consolidate and build a path towards our bright European future," the acting president said.

Members of Moldova’s first parliament demonstrated courage when they declared the republic’s independence 19 years ago on August 27, 1991, he said.

"Not all deputies signed the independence declaration because there were plenty of those who wanted Moldova to remain part of the Soviet Union," Ghimpu said.