Metropolitan of Moldova denies links to Ilan Șor-funded pilgrimages
Victoria Colesnic reviews the main headlines, including the Metropolitan of Moldova's reaction to pilgrimages funded by fugitive Ilan Șor and the contentious 2018 decision granting a 25-year concession of state train and bus stations to a private company, which was marred by procedural violations and a lack of transparency.
Bishop Ioan Moșneguțu’s Denial of Pilgrimage Funding
Bishop Ioan Moșneguțu has denied any involvement in the pilgrimages allegedly financed by Ilan Șor and has expressed deep outrage over these accusations. Moldova 1 presents a statement from the Vicar of the Metropolitan of Moldova, who confirms that while several priests from Moldova have traveled to the Russian Federation, these trips were not organized by the Metropolitan of Moldova, and he is unaware of the organizers or financiers.
Press Coverage of Priests' Flight to Moscow
Chișinău’s press captured several priests from the Metropolitan of Moldova at Chișinău Airport preparing for a flight with a layover in Moscow. Reports suggest that these “pilgrimages” are funded by oligarch Ilan Șor, with the priests allegedly receiving MIR cards for monetary transfers from him. The priests have denied these claims.
Government’s Concession of State Stations in 2018
According to Ziarul Național, and based on an “informative note” from a dubious NGO and a “dedicated” tender, the state lost control of bus stations in 2018. Former deputy Igor Munteanu, who chaired the parliamentary inquiry commission, highlights that the government led by Pavel Filip granted a 25-year concession of state train and bus stations to a private company, a decision characterized by a lack of transparency and serious procedural violations. The Public Property Agency’s recent decision to reclaim management of these stations after the private partner failed to meet its obligations has been described as “long-awaited.”
Decline in Medical Staff in Moldova
The number of doctors and medical assistants in Moldova continues to decline. Anticoruptie.md reports a near reduction of 3,000 medical assistants in the last decade, a significant concern for the country. Although the decline in senior medical staff is less severe, there remains a shortage of 614 doctors, particularly in anesthesia and intensive care, and 864 medical assistants nationwide.
Severe Staff Shortage at Republican Clinical Hospital
The Republican Clinical Hospital faces the most severe staff shortages.
Farmers' Protest and Government Aid
Farmers in Moldova are considering protests despite the Government’s offer of 100 million lei in aid. The Farmers’ Force Association will decide on protests in the coming days. Alexandru Bădărău, the Association’s executive director, reports that farmers in southern Moldova are calling for a state of emergency in agriculture to provide relief for paying bank loans.
Insufficient Aid for Drought Damage
Despite the Government’s aid of 100 million lei for drought losses this summer, farmers argue that this amount is inadequate. They estimate that damage in the Cahul, Cantemir, and Vulcănești districts alone amounts to 135 million lei for primary crops.
European Energy Market as a Lifeline
The European energy market is crucial for Moldova, according to Jurnal.md. Energy expert Sergiu Tofilat argues that Russia’s outdated infrastructure cannot adequately supply its own population with electricity and uses energy exports as political leverage. Tofilat emphasizes the need for Moldova to access more markets, including Romania and the European Union, due to the interconnected nature of the energy network.
Risk of Radicalization in Gagauzia
Russia’s influence in the Gagauzia Autonomous Region is reportedly stronger than in Transnistria. Chișinău must intensify communication with the region’s citizens to prevent societal radicalization. Public policy and security expert Andrei Curăraru notes that groups are attempting to radicalize society by indoctrinating the youth with Russian narratives. Politicians are also accused of seeking political gain by exploiting nostalgia for the Soviet era.
Blocking Promsveazibank’s Web Resources
Blocking access to Promsveazibank’s web resources was deemed necessary to mitigate state security risks and address illegal data exchanges. IPN reported the Security and Intelligence Service’s statement, which highlighted that data exchanged by the bank could be used in uncontrolled areas of Moldova, circumventing legal oversight by national authorities.
Controversial Donations by Ilan Șor’s Political Party
Donors affiliated with the Political Party “Chance,” connected to fugitive Ilan Șor, allegedly donated more money for last year’s local elections than they earned, according to TV8.md. The CEC identified 71 individuals whose donations exceeded legal limits by 30% without corresponding registered income. Consequently, the Bălți Court has decided to suspend the party’s activities for three months. Party president Alexei Lungu maintains that the party is transparent with the CEC and the Fiscal Service and plans to appeal the court’s decision.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
