Press review // Electoral debate vital for Moldova’s democratic future
The necessity of an electoral debate between Maia Sandu and Alexandr Stoianoglo; the annulment of sanctions against Vladimir Plahotniuc by the EU Tribunal and the reaction of the Republic of Moldova's Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and the Ministry of Justice’s explanations regarding the failure to declare Veaceslav Platon wanted—these are the main headlines summarised by the press.
Radio Chișinău features the opinion of analyst Ion Tăbârță, who argues that organising an electoral debate between Maia Sandu and Alexandr Stoianoglo is crucial, asserting that such a debate would serve the interests of Moldovan society. In a context dominated by manipulation and disinformation, he believes that a debate would help clarify the candidates' positions. Tăbârță emphasises that the debate must be structured according to clear rules, ensuring equal conditions for both candidates, including fair treatment from the moderator.
Former President of the Central Electoral Commission, Iurie Ciocan, criticised recent statements made against one of the presidential candidates. Speaking during a Realitatea TV program, Ciocan stressed that state institutions should intervene decisively, as tolerating such messages is unacceptable in any democratic society. "What is happening now is inadmissible in a society that claims to be democratic. In the Republic of Moldova, we have the Council for the Prevention of and Fight against Discrimination," he stated.
The General Court of the European Union annulled the 2023 decision by the EU Council to sanction Vladimir Plahotniuc, arguing that the reasons and evidence for including him on the sanctions list, in the context of actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova, were insufficiently clarified, reports newsmaker.md. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chișinău stated that it lacks additional information regarding the court’s decision but emphasised that "this individual will remain on the EU sanctions list, including based on the 2024 decision and additional evidence." The ruling is not final and may be appealed by the European Union Council within two months, with the appeal to be reviewed by the Court of Justice of the European Union.
TV8 produced a report based on statements by Minister of Justice Viorica Mihailov-Moraru, who noted that the fugitive oligarch Veaceslav Platon has not been declared wanted, meaning he cannot be extradited. Platon's last public appearance was on election day, when he was seen at a polling station in London, where he was booed by compatriots, sparking a conflict. Previously, Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Veronica Dragalin had stated that the extradition process would be complicated, as Platon had applied for political asylum in the United Kingdom. Clarification of his status will depend on the British authorities' response to his asylum request.
During a TVR Moldova broadcast, former Secretary of State for Strategic Affairs within Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iulian Fota, stressed that lies, manipulation, and disinformation are prevalent in the Republic of Moldova. He noted that Russia’s hybrid warfare represents a serious threat, given Moscow's use of resources to destabilise regions where it operates, including through propaganda and influence. Fota added that these tactics aim to create confusion and undermine trust in democratic institutions.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
