Press review// Sources: Support for Victoria Furtună's candidacy from the "Victoria" block
The direct support of the "Victoria" bloc affiliated to Ilan Șor for the candidacy of Victoria Furtună; The results of the polls regarding the integration of the Republic of Moldova into the European Union, as well as the attempts to undermine the referendum by manipulating information and promoting distrust in European values. These are the main press headlines, reviewed.
Former anti-corruption prosecutor Victoria Furtună is among the candidates supported by Ilan Șor in the presidential election, according to an analysis published by deschide.md. The cited source mentions that the "Victoria" block, made up of parties affiliated with Șor, indicates that the candidate's activity in the electoral campaign is coordinated by the leaders of this block. At meetings with voters, Furtună would be accompanied by members of the associated group. A working meeting took place at the central office of the block, with the participation of important figures such as Marina Tauber and Vasile Bolea. The discussions, chaired online by Ilan Șor, addressed the unsatisfactory results and the incompetence of some party members.
The Russian Federation is using disinformation and information manipulation to undermine the October 20 referendum, which will decide the future of the Republic of Moldova's accession to the European Union, claims the head of the Center for Strategic Communication and Combating Disinformation, Ana Revenco, reports Moldova1.md. She explained that these actions are aimed at influencing the outcome of the referendum and weakening the social unity essential for long-term European integration. Revenco pointed out that Russian disinformation is not just about fake news; it also includes the manipulation of information and the promotion of distrust in European values. The strategy aims to present the Republic of Moldova as a country too vulnerable and unstable to join the EU.
TV8.md announces that the International Republican Institute will conduct an International Election Observation Mission for the presidential election on October 20, 2024. A former American congressman and former European Union commissioner will lead the mission. It will work with government officials, political parties, civil society organisations and election administrators to assess the transparency and fairness of elections, according to international standards. After the election, IRI will provide a preliminary assessment, followed by a detailed report with recommendations, which will be published in the following weeks.
A recent study presented by agora.md highlights a positive attitude of the business environment in the Republic of Moldova towards the European integration of the country. According to the data, 76% of Moldovan entrepreneurs support the process of integration into the European Union. However, the main concern of business people remains competition. Also, they consider that the economic relations with Romania are insufficiently developed, to the potential created by the geographical, linguistic and cultural proximity.
Political analysts emphasize the importance of Prime Minister Dorin Recean's speech at the United Nations Organization last week, considering it a key moment to highlight Chisinau's European agenda and the challenges facing the Republic of Moldova from Russia. Ion Tăbârță, political analyst, told Radio Chișinău that this speech is relevant for the international community. Also, Mihai Mogâldea, the deputy director of the Institute for European Policies and Reforms, emphasized that, within the UN General Assembly, it is essential that the participants clearly understand the direction that the Republic of Moldova is following.
Expert Nicolae Negru commented on the speech of Prime Minister Dorin Recean, from the UN platform, writes Ziarul Național. He says that the prime minister properly reflected the interests of the Republic of Moldova. The expert also mentioned that Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine is a threat to international order, returning us to times when great powers impose their will, dividing regions into spheres of influence and denying smaller states the right to decide own destiny.
