Moldovan Government

Amid tensions in Moldova, French diplomacy has raised concerns over what it perceives as Moscow's involvement in "attempts to destabilize" the country. Pro-Russian separatists from Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova, have reportedly sought assistance from Moscow, prompting speculation about Russia's role in the unfolding situation, AFP reported.

In a dramatic turn of events, Moldova has found itself in the throes of political upheaval just hours before local elections, as authorities banned the pro-Russian "Chance" party over concerns related to national security. The decision casts a shadow of uncertainty over Sunday's elections and threatens to disrupt the political landscape of the country.

Criminal Ties

Montage by BIRN

In 2015, North Macedonia took what was then both a revolutionary and controversial step in the region by legalizing the cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Since 2017, the industry truly took off in the country, encouraged by a government which saw it as an economic growth opportunity.

A sign of that intention can be seen in the Kremlin's alleged intention to overthrow the current Moldovan government and incite unrest through protests in the country, an U.S. diplomat who recently visited Moldova told "The Daily Beast".

Leading Europe

Moldovan lei and euros bills. Photo: National Bank of Moldova Facebook page

Inflation is the top concern not just of many economists across Europe but also ordinary citizens, as inflation rates reach levels not seen in decades. Yet Moldova is in the inglorious position of leading Europe, at least on this front.

Moldova has banned officials of the pro-Russian separatist regime in Transnistria from obtaining special permits for work trips outside the country.

A few days after Russia invaded Ukraine in February, the Kyiv authorities closed all their border crossing points along the country's 400-kilometre boundary with the breakaway region of Transnistria.

Supply routes were disrupted and the prices of imported goods rose immediately.

"The Moldovan government has done nothing to provoke possible attacks by Russia." This was explained in an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio by Alexander Lambov from the "Bulgarian Spirit" Foundation in Moldova:

Polish soldiers of the Territorial Defence Force with food at a reception point for refugees from Ukraine established at the train station in Przemysl, southeastern Poland, 25 February 2022. About 29,000 people crossed Poland's border with Ukraine over the past 24 hours, with thousands declaring themselves as war refugees, the National Security Department said.

The Moldovan government and its British counterpart agreed on Tuesday that illicit funds confiscated by the British courts from Luca Filat, the son of former Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat, will be returned to Moldova.