The president of Moldova Maia Sandu has warned that her country's independence and European future are in danger after police arrested dozens of people accused of involvement in a plot to stoke violent disorder, allegedly backed by Russia. Just days before Sunday's pivotal parliamentary elections, Moldovan police said they had confiscated weapons and explosives in raids across the country.
They allege some of the 74 detainees had travelled to Serbia for training by Russian instructors, including with firearms. Addressing the nation, President Sandu accused the Kremlin of 'pouring hundreds of millions of euros' into Moldova in an attempt to foment violence and spread disinformation and fear.
'Kremlin believes that we are all for sale. That we are too small to resist. That we are not a country, only a territory,' she declared, emphasizing Moldovan sovereignty. Pro-Russian parties have accused Sandu of trying to intimidate them ahead of the vote.
Sandu called on supporters to vote on Sunday, as pro-Russian forces aim to challenge her Party of Action and Solidarity's power. Moldova’s pro-EU trajectory faces a significant test, reflecting the lasting influence of Russian politics in the nation and its potential impacts on the upcoming elections.
Sandu highlighted the relevance of high voter turnout, especially from the diaspora, noting that only a small percentage of foreign cash intended for election meddling is intercepted. With Moldova's history and vulnerability to outside influence, each vote carries considerable weight.
Moldova's ambition to pursue EU membership has been challenged by Russian meddling and domestic dissatisfaction with corruption levels. President Sandu underlined her commitment to furthering Moldova's EU aspirations, viewing it as crucial for securing the nation's future amid ongoing threats from the Kremlin. The atmosphere leading up to this election indicates a continuation of Russia's efforts to sway Moldova's political landscape amidst rising tensions.
They allege some of the 74 detainees had travelled to Serbia for training by Russian instructors, including with firearms. Addressing the nation, President Sandu accused the Kremlin of 'pouring hundreds of millions of euros' into Moldova in an attempt to foment violence and spread disinformation and fear.
'Kremlin believes that we are all for sale. That we are too small to resist. That we are not a country, only a territory,' she declared, emphasizing Moldovan sovereignty. Pro-Russian parties have accused Sandu of trying to intimidate them ahead of the vote.
Sandu called on supporters to vote on Sunday, as pro-Russian forces aim to challenge her Party of Action and Solidarity's power. Moldova’s pro-EU trajectory faces a significant test, reflecting the lasting influence of Russian politics in the nation and its potential impacts on the upcoming elections.
Sandu highlighted the relevance of high voter turnout, especially from the diaspora, noting that only a small percentage of foreign cash intended for election meddling is intercepted. With Moldova's history and vulnerability to outside influence, each vote carries considerable weight.
Moldova's ambition to pursue EU membership has been challenged by Russian meddling and domestic dissatisfaction with corruption levels. President Sandu underlined her commitment to furthering Moldova's EU aspirations, viewing it as crucial for securing the nation's future amid ongoing threats from the Kremlin. The atmosphere leading up to this election indicates a continuation of Russia's efforts to sway Moldova's political landscape amidst rising tensions.
