Debate and Disinformation: Challenges of European Integration and Presidential Elections in the Republic of Moldova

To date, seven debates have been organized by the public television in the Republic of Moldova, three of which focused on the presidential elections, and four were dedicated to the referendum on European integration. These debate sessions included transparent real-time fact-checking exercises, during which the Stop Fals team analysed the candidates’ promises, statements, and responses. The goal was to ensure that the public received accurate, verified information essential for an informed vote.

Most Common Disinformation from the Presidential Debate:

The European Union will promote LGBTQ+ propaganda in the Republic of Moldova: A sensitive and frequently manipulated topic, presented as a threat to local values, although no EU directive exists to this effect.

Bogdan Țîrdea                                                 Приднестровец

The Republic of Moldova is a vassal state of Western Europe, a puppet in geopolitical games: This claim was challenged by presenting data on Moldova's economic and cultural partnerships with various countries, highlighting that national sovereignty is safeguarded through these agreements.

Bogdan Țîrdea                                                           WTF Moldova

The referendum results don’t matter, and voting is pointless: This disinformation was countered by explaining that the referendum has legal and constitutional effects, with citizens' votes being essential for validating integration.

Kp.md

Key Disinformation in the Debates on the European Referendum:

• EU membership would resolve the Transnistrian conflicts: This claim was deemed exaggerated, as the EU lacks direct mechanisms for resolving internal territorial conflicts.

Kp.md

EU membership undermines Moldova's statehood and sovereignty: Detailed explanations showed that member states retain significant control over internal policies, and sovereignty is not compromised by joining the EU.

KP.MD                                                                Stop EU

• The referendum will need to be approved again by Parliament: It was clarified that the referendum has constitutional value, and if validated by citizens, its results will be directly integrated into the Constitution.
• The European Union will impose anti-religious values and force Moldova to conform: A widely promoted but unfounded claim, debunked by experts who highlighted that the EU respects the cultural and religious diversity of its member states.

Bogdan Țîrdea

If Moldova opposes certain European policies, it will be sanctioned: Practical examples demonstrated that EU member states have the right to express their viewpoints and negotiate common policies.

WTF Moldova

• The referendum is a scheme to mock the constitution: This accusation was refuted with clear details about the legal and democratic process on which the referendum is based.

WTF Moldova

• European funds are not felt by the community, and it’s unclear how they are spent: This claim was investigated, and Stop Fals clearly demonstrated the allocation of funds and how these resources have been used.

Stop Fals

This initial series of debates organized by Fact Frontier underscores the urgent need for accurate and transparent public information, thereby strengthening democracy. The initiative demonstrated that real-time fact-checking is a pillar of democratic dialogue and a model for other countries to follow.

The broadcasts are supported by Moldova 1 television, where candidates' statements are monitored and verified in real time by a team of fact-checkers from StopFals. This project is backed by Funky Citizens, Transparency International Moldova, and the Independent Press Association of Moldova, with support from the Google News Initiative.