U.S. cancels key funding for Moldova, affecting part of $32 million allocated to Internews
The Republic of Moldova has lost part of the financial support amounting to 32 million dollars intended for the Internews organization.
This funding was aimed at supporting democracy, inclusion, and accountability through media in the country, as well as promoting sustainable media institutions. The decision was announced in a post on X by the U.S. Government Efficiency Department (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk. Moldovan authorities and the Internews organization in the country have yet to comment on the decision.
This decision is part of a broader series of fund cancellations, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, intended for global initiatives in areas such as research, biodiversity, and the social and economic inclusion of migrants. Additionally, the U.S. Government Efficiency Department announced the cancellation of 52 million dollars intended for the World Economic Forum, as well as a 520 million dollar grant for ESG investments in Africa.
It should be noted that a financial support of 22 million dollars intended for the "Consortium for Elections and Strengthening the Political Process," which also included our country, was canceled on February 17 following the decision of the U.S. Government Efficiency Department (DOGE).
Recently, billionaire Elon Musk, appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump to head the Government Efficiency Committee (DOGE), announced at the White House that without budget cuts, the United States risks "bankruptcy," according to AFP.
Critics warn that Musk’s actions and those of DOGE could lead to a "constitutional crisis," exceeding the traditional authority of government employees and raising concerns about conflicts of interest, as Musk's companies are themselves government contractors. There are also concerns that efforts to reduce spending could negatively affect essential programs and lead to abuses of power.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
