Moldova opposition demands investigation into U.S. aid misuse
The opposition in Moldova's parliament has called for an investigation into how U.S. funds were used in the country, particularly in relation to left-wing propaganda.
The opposition is demanding hearings in the Parliament with the Director of the Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) and the General Prosecutor to clarify the use of these funds. This request was made following accusations from U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that $32 million provided by the United States was misused in support of left-wing political forces in Moldova. In response, the ruling party reminded the opposition that they too had benefited from U.S. funding during their time in power.
The parliamentary session began today with heated exchanges between deputies from the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) and the Bloc of Socialists and Communists (BCS). Specifically, Communist deputy Diana Caraman noted that Moldova was being cited for the third time as an example of the “absurd” use of U.S. funds and taxpayer money. To clarify how these funds were spent, Caraman requested hearings with SIS Director Alexandru Musteața and General Prosecutor Ion Munteanu.
“We in the opposition have repeatedly criticized the methods of using financial assistance and the purposes for which this money is directed,” said Caraman. “But when the U.S. president speaks about absurd spending on propaganda in Moldova, which contradicts both U.S. and Moldovan legislation, we call for SIS Director Musteața and the General Prosecutor to be heard in Parliament to clarify where this money went, how it was spent, and who appropriated it.”
In response, PAS deputy Eugeniu Sinchevici accused the opposition of “hypocrisy.” He argued that when the opposition parties were in power, they had benefited from U.S. funds for various projects, including COVID-19 vaccines.
“Stop with the hypocrisy already. You are hypocrites to the core because, when your leaders were in power, they thanked USAID. And your friend from Romania, Kremlin Georgescu (referring to Călin Georgescu, a former presidential candidate in Romania backed by Russia), also received USAID funding. Let’s talk about USAID—about the $300 million for energy connections. You don’t like that? Or maybe you didn’t appreciate the hundreds of thousands of vaccine doses they delivered to save lives in Moldova? At that time, you thanked USAID very much. Or for the donations made to farmers or the wine industry,” Sinchevici argued.
Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu stated that he was awaiting more details regarding President Trump’s recent remarks, where he claimed that U.S. funds allocated to Moldova had been used to support left-wing political forces.
“The left-wing forces, meaning the Socialists and Communists in Moldova, would have benefited from these funds. We will wait for more details. But seriously, we have benefited enormously from the American people in strategic areas. We will respond to any requests from the American side,” Grosu said.
It should be noted that, on January 20, President Donald Trump issued an executive order suspending most U.S. foreign aid programs for 90 days to reassess them and ensure that they align with his foreign policy.
By 2030, USAID projects in Moldova were set to support key initiatives, focusing on strengthening social cohesion, stimulating economic growth, promoting democratic governance, and enhancing energy security and the healthcare system.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
