All posts tagged: Moldova

Romanian hard-right chief pitches himself as Europe’s next Meloni – POLITICO

Romanian hard-right chief pitches himself as Europe’s next Meloni – POLITICO

Published by Sam

“Even if we are conservative, which is not to the liking of the establishment in Brussels, even if we believe in many of the values President Trump believes in,” Simion said, “we also believe that we need a strong, united Europe.” The politician insisted he would “work together” with the EU’s mainstream parties if elected, with Romania’s full accession to the visa-free Schengen zone, pushing for a directly elected EU executive and boosting industrial production in the bloc at the top of his list of priorities. But unlike Meloni, Simion has openly vowed he would push back against Brussels even if that means breaking EU rules in a move more reminiscent of the populist leaders of Hungary and Slovakia, Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico. “I would be a liar to say we would respect EU law,” he said. “If tomorrow [there is] a new law that we didn’t vote for … or laws that are not good for Romania,” he said, “I will try to use all my powers to stop what is doing harm …

Facing interference accusations, Russia falsely declares Moldovan elections ‘undemocratic’

Facing interference accusations, Russia falsely declares Moldovan elections ‘undemocratic’

Published by Sam

Facing accusations of massive interference in Moldova’s presidential elections, Russia declared the voting “undemocratic and unfair.” The current head of state, pro-Western politician Maria Sandu, won her second term in office over a pro-Russian opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, in the second round of voting on November 3. On November 5, the Kremlin’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov asserted that Moldova’s presidential elections were not democratic: “These [Moldovan presidential] elections were neither democratic nor fair. They were full of electoral manipulations.” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that “violations during the election process were so widespread and obvious” that even the observation mission of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) “could not turn a blind eye to them in its preliminary conclusions.” Both the Kremlin’s and the Foreign Ministry’s claims are misleading. OSCE/ODIHR reported that Moldova’s November 3 presidential runoff was efficiently and professionally conducted, providing voters with genuine political alternatives. Additionally, candidates were able to campaign freely. The presidential race saw increased negative …

Israel cannot win Gaza war without ‘day-after’ plan, Blinken warns | Israel-Palestine conflict News

Israel cannot win Gaza war without ‘day-after’ plan, Blinken warns | Israel-Palestine conflict News

Published by Sam

The United States has once again issued a strong warning to Israel over its lack of a post-war strategy for Gaza, leaving open questions about how the territory will be governed and stablised. Speaking at a news conference in the Moldovan capital Chisinau on Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it was “imperative” for Israel to have a plan to ensure the defeat of Hamas and restore security and governance in Gaza. “In the absence of a plan for the day after, there won’t be a day after,” Blinken told reporters. He added that the Israeli military has achieved “real success” in its effort to destroy Hamas’s military capacity, but he warned that Israel should not be directly responsible for the future of Gaza. “If it is, it will simply have an enduring insurgency on its hands for as far as we can see into the future,” Blinken said. In the absence of a post-war plan, Blinken added, “Hamas will be left in charge, which is unacceptable. Or if not, we’ll have chaos, lawlessness …

EU shouldn’t leave newer members behind, Dombrovskis says on enlargement anniversary – POLITICO

EU shouldn’t leave newer members behind, Dombrovskis says on enlargement anniversary – POLITICO

Published by skeptic

“We are facing the green and digital transformation of our economies … and it’s very important that in this process we are not leaving countries and regions behind,” Dombrovskis said, speaking ahead of the celebrations of 20 years of Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia joining the EU. Wealthier European countries attempting to compete with American and Chinese subsidies risk tearing apart the single market’s level playing field, he added. “Not all countries have equal possibilities. Countries in the south and countries in the east will not be able to subsidize their companies as massively as Germany or France,” Dombrovskis said. He added that the EU should look at Union-wide funding instruments to protect that level playing field. “From my point of view, the more flexibility there is on state aid, the more flexibility there needs to be for redistributions through the EU budget,” Dombrovskis said. Speaking about the geopolitical impact of EU expansion, the Latvian commissioner said it had “made the EU a stronger, bigger global player. …

Moldova eyes energy lever to topple Kremlin puppet regime in Transnistria – POLITICO

Moldova eyes energy lever to topple Kremlin puppet regime in Transnistria – POLITICO

Published by skeptic

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his inner circle, meanwhile, have stepped up their rhetoric against the country, attacking its European dream with rhetoric similar to what they lobbed at Ukraine. Yet Russia’s ability to intervene is, in practice, limited. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, local Russian forces have been cut off from their usual supply lines, unable to bring in reinforcements or fly in hardware. Many haven’t been rotated in or out of Moldova in years, and have settled down and raised families locally. And while they sit atop one of Europe’s largest arsenals of weaponry and ammunition at the closely guarded Cobasna depot, it is widely believed to hold little else but decaying WWII-era equipment that hasn’t already been sold off or repurposed by the Russians. Other frozen conflicts in the post-Soviet space have culminated in catastrophe. Just last year, a standoff between Azerbaijan and Armenia led to a mass exodus of 100,000 people from Nagorno-Karabakh. But in Moldova’s case, there’s no ethnic animosity driving efforts to end the standoff. Almost …

Moldova Faces New Challenge From Restive Gagauzia Region

Moldova Faces New Challenge From Restive Gagauzia Region

Published by skeptic

CHISINAU (Reuters) – Moldova’s pro-European government faces a new challenge from its restive pro-Moscow Gagauzia region after its leaders denounced proposed judicial reforms and demanded enhanced status for the Russian language. Gagauzia’s 140,000 residents, mainly ethnic Turks who adhere to Orthodox Christianity, have had uneasy relations with central authorities since Moldova threw off Soviet rule in 1991. On Friday, Gagauzia’s local assembly rejected judicial reforms which would shut down an appeal court in the region and called for special status for Russian, alongside Moldova’s sole state language, Romanian. Under Moldova’s constitution, Gagauzia’s leader, or bashkan, is automatically a member of the government in the country lying between Ukraine and Romania. But President Maia Sandu refuses to sign an enabling decree on grounds that the current bashkan, Yevgenia Gutul, was elected on the ticket of a banned pro-Russian political party led by fugitive businessman Ilan Shor, convicted of mass fraud. Photos You Should See – April 2024 The Latest Photos From Ukraine Prime Minister Dorin Recean stood by the judicial reforms and said the courts would …

Former Soviet country could start a new Russia-led conflict in the EU | World | News

Former Soviet country could start a new Russia-led conflict in the EU | World | News

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In the heart of eastern Europe, Moldova finds itself embroiled in a geopolitical tug-of-war that threatens to reignite long-standing tensions. The recent decision by Moldova to join the EU’s sanctions against Russia has escalated the conflict, drawing sharp rebuke from Moscow and sparking fears of destabilisation. Stanislav Pavlovschi, former Moldovan Justice Minister and former ECHR judge, emphasised the complexity of Moldova’s relationship with the breakaway Transnistrian region, which has proven to be a persistent challenge despite numerous attempts at resolution. He pointed out the need for a multifaceted approach, steering away from the use of force and instead stressing diplomatic, economic, and political strategies. He told Express.co.uk: “The relationship between Moldova and the Transnistrian region presents a complex political challenge that has eluded resolution despite numerous attempts. Why? The answer lies in the misguided approach of employing force to solve the issue.” He added: “By force, I don’t mean military might, as Moldova lacks the capacity for military resolution. Instead, I refer to diplomatic, economic, and political tactics. “Furthermore, I hold the firm belief that …

Moldova to allow billionaire’s pro-Kremlin party to field candidates in elections – POLITICO

Moldova to allow billionaire’s pro-Kremlin party to field candidates in elections – POLITICO

Published by skeptic

Shor welcomed the verdict. “This decision not only restores the rights of individuals, but also calls into question the legitimacy of the past elections,” he said Tuesday in a Instagram post. Shor was sentenced in 2017 to 7.5 years in prison — later increased to 15 years — on fraud and money laundering charges in relation to a $1 billion bank fraud from three years earlier. While under house arrest with an appeal pending, Shor fled to Israel in 2019. Last year he organized protests against Moldova’s pro-EU President Maia Sandu, calling on her to step down over her campaign to secure EU membership. Moldovan authorities said the demonstrations were part of a Russian campaign to replace the incumbent administration with a pro-Kremlin one. Speaker of Parliament Igor Grosu said the government would respect the Constitutional Court’s March 26 ruling, but would make every effort to prevent anyone linked to criminal organizations from running for public office. “We will make adjustments in accordance with the court ruling, but we will not allow criminal groups to …

EU leaders discuss Ukraine aid, Gaza cease-fire in high-stakes summit — live updates – POLITICO

EU leaders discuss Ukraine aid, Gaza cease-fire in high-stakes summit — live updates – POLITICO

Published by skeptic

EU leaders are in Brussels on Thursday, and they’ve got a lot to talk about, including military support for Ukraine and boosting Europe’s defenses; the situation in the Middle East; and the bloc’s future members. Then on Friday, leaders from the eurozone countries will stay on to talk sustainable growth. Oh, and angry farmers will be back in Brussels too. Follow our live blog to keep up to date. Source link

UK at last confirms European Political Community summit date – POLITICO

UK at last confirms European Political Community summit date – POLITICO

Published by skeptic

But confirmation came today after Sunak ruled out sending the nation to the polls early in May, with the prospect of a fall election growing steadily more likely. Downing Street hailed the role of the summit in uniting support for Ukraine and in addressing illegal migration, which had proved divisive at previous EPC summits. “I am delighted that the UK will host the next European Political Community meeting at the historic Blenheim Palace,” Sunak said. “It is an important forum for cooperation across the whole of Europe on the issues that are affecting us all, threatening our security and prosperity.  “From putting our full support behind Ukraine to stopping the scourge of people smuggling and illegal migration, under the U.K.’s leadership the meeting will bring together our European friends, partners, and neighbours to address our shared challenges.” Delay baffled diplomats No. 10 will be hoping its tardiness doesn’t result in a poor turnout. Some 44 European leaders attended the inaugural EPC summit in Prague in October 2022, while 45 partook in the Moldova forum in …