Republic of Moldova before elections - October 9-11, 2024

The Fact-Checking Taskforce - Live Verifications for Debates: We previously announced that live fact-checking was conducted during the first round of debates ahead of the elections. This innovative concept, new to Moldova, is part of the Fact Frontier Initiative: The Romania-Moldova Coalition, launched by Funky Citizens, Transparency International-Moldova, and the Independent Press Association (API) through stopfals.md

While the videos are available online , we will brief our readers on some of the topics that came under scrutiny by the fact-checkers:

• The population of Moldova has been in steep decline over the last 35 years, often cited as a nostalgic argument for the former glory of the Moldovan Soviet Republic.
• The neutrality of Switzerland, mistakenly presented as an EU member, is used as an argument for Moldova not to choose between aligning with the EU or the Russian Federation.
• EU regulations will negatively impact the everyday lives of people by interfering with their customs, such as the ability to raise farm animals.
• The EU is seen as a financing source for eye-catching projects, like the renovation of theatres and historic buildings, viewed merely as an exercise to win over the Moldovan public.
• The European Union is accused of constantly promoting LGBTQ+ propaganda in the Republic of Moldova, allegedly opposing Orthodox values and linking the EU with fabricated but dangerous topics.
• The school system is claimed to be intentionally sabotaged to serve foreign, Western influence.
• The Republic of Moldova is portrayed as a vassal state of Western Europe, a puppet in geopolitical games.
• There are fears that Moldova will lose its statehood and that all its institutions will be replaced by EU institutions, leaving no room to express its national point of view.

As noted by the Stop Fals fact-checkers, many of these narratives have been previously observed, often originating from Kremlin pundits and other sources. Some of these may be familiar to you from our earlier newsletters. While some narratives might appear superficial or minor, they still have harmful effects.

Are EU and NATO the same thing? Former President Vladimir Voronin expressed his disapproval of the European Union, particularly its collaboration with NATO. He argued that the EU’s joint activities with NATO undermine its status as a model of democracy. Voronin also claimed that NATO had previously deceived Gorbachev by promising not to expand into former USSR territories or socialist countries, a promise he believes has been broken. He concluded by reiterating his disagreement with the current policies of the EU and the conflation of the EU and NATO. If NATO is portrayed as a harbinger of war by the Kremlin propaganda, EU is thus closely behind.

That’s one way to recycle paper: A Telegram post by a so-called news channel claims that the Central Electoral Commission of Moldova reportedly destroyed 26,000 ballots intended for three polling stations in the Russian Federation. Initially, five stations were planned to function, but logistical challenges led the Moldovan Foreign Ministry to reduce this number to two. However, there are allegations that the ballots were not destroyed and will instead be used to manipulate the presidential elections in favour of Maia Sandu.

What comes after the second term? A second first term: Dmitry Sorokin, head of the Russian-Moldovan Center for Friendship and Cooperation in St. Petersburg, claimed that if Maia Sandu wins the elections, she will initiate a “zeroing” of her terms to extend her presidency to a third term. Note that, according to the Constitution, one person can only serve two terms as President of Moldova, thus such a move will be a crass dismissal of law. He also highlighted a shift in government statements, noting that while there were earlier promises to join the EU by 2030, the current declaration is focused on “Moldova’s preparation for accession” by 2030, which would justify a third term for Sandu.

Think of the farmers! A heart-wrenching KP article decries the grim future of Moldovan farmers under the EU. It claims that farmers across Europe have been protesting against agricultural trade with non-EU countries like Ukraine and Moldova, fearing that future EU members will not receive the same subsidies as current members. Governments are making concessions to protect their markets, and the EU enlargement debate suggests that current members will have to contribute more financially while receiving less. For Moldovan farmers, EU integration will lead to higher production costs and limited financial benefits, as the promised subsidies may no longer be available. This raises concerns about whether Moldovan farmers can afford to join the EU. It ends on a high note, with a rhetorical question: “Can our farmers afford to join the EU?”

Making Staling jealous: An op-ed by the same portal draws an unflattering comparison between Maia Sandu and Joseph Stalin. It features the alleged “growing cult of personality” around Maia Sandu in Moldova, highlighting concerns about potential constitutional amendments to criminalize criticism of her. PAS activist Marian Andoni suggested harsh penalties for diaspora members spreading anti-European propaganda, particularly those critical of Sandu. The piece draws parallels to historical personality cults, questioning the future of Sandu’s supporters once her influence wanes. It criticizes the lack of moral integrity among her staunch defenders and reflects on the broader implications for Moldovan democracy.

This newsletter is part of our ongoing work with the Bulgarian-Romanian Observatory of Digital Media, member of EDMO.