Weekly Roundup

May 15 - 21

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Elections and Campaign

As we discussed in the last Weekly Roundup, parties are forming electoral blocs and alliances in preparation for the coming election on July 11th. While there was lots of news about the Socialist - Communist bloc and the new Union of Unionists we had very little news from President Sandu’s PAS Party. Well that changed this week with a simple phrase...

“Let’s Start the Good Times”

This is the new campaign slogan from PAS and it was rolled out this week across social media and in small events. The slogan is striking in the positive note it takes and the way that the party is adapting it to other aspects of their campaign message. “We start the good times in medicine!” “We start the good times with justice reform!” “We start the good times and build a better life here at home!” The messaging campaign had a smooth rollout with strong message discipline across the team. It seems like PAS is coming into this election with a strong campaign organization. 

Meanwhile, PAS also rolled out it’s party list with one name in the top ten that caught everyone’s attention. At number 8 on the PAS Party list is Nata Albot, the Journalists and entrepreneur famous for creating iconic rural festivals in Moldova and for her TV presence. Albot lives in Canada but continues to create cooking shows and other promotions of Moldovan culture. 

Albot’s inclusion on the list initially proved somewhat controversial. She is very well respected by many young people and the diaspora but also provoked strong feelings from people who do not like someone who has “left” running for office. Albot’s inclusion generated even more controversy when the president of the minor PACE party, Gheorghe Cavcaliuc announced that he had proof that a candidate (later revealed to be Nata Albot) had been detained at the Chisinau Airport with 0.78 grams of marijuana  back in 2017. Cavcaliuc issued a 72 hour deadline for Albot to withdraw her candidacy. Cavcaliuc was formerly a deputy director of the police inspectorate and seems to have acquired this document from his old department. Neither PAS nor Nata Albot has commented on this news. It remains to be seen if this is a minor hiccup or a major problem going forward. 

Communist - Socialist Team Stumbles Out of the Gate

The Communist Socialist Bloc began the week with a series of combative statements and unforced errors by Mr. Dodon and Mr. Voronin. First, Mr. Dodon announced which Communists Party Members (other than Voronin) would be on the combined party lists. Unfortunately, he did it before the Communist Party selected who they wanted on the list leading to outrage from the Central Committee of the Communist Party. 

Following this wedge between the Parties, Mr. Dodon conducted an interview with Newsmaker and was asked to defend the Bloc’s billboards that say “We will not give the country over to foreigners. Moldova is in danger. NO to external management.” Dodon responded by attacking the journalist and calling the publication “American puppets.” He continued leaning into the message that President Sandu and her party were controlled by foriegn interests and that only Moldovan’s should be making decisions for Moldova. Mr. Dodon dodged a followup question where it was pointed out that 6 Socialist deputies in Parliament are dual Moldovan-Romanian citizens. Something Mr. Dodon has demonized many times in the past in reference to other parties. 

Note: Newsmaker is an independent publication that receives funding support from both Moldovan and International grants check here for a donor list. 

By far the biggest news of the week from the Communist Socialist Bloc was made by Mr. Voronin. In a televised interview Voronin said that “if the pro-EU parties win, NATO will send soldiers to Moldova and Moldovans will have dark skinned children, not only white skinned." He then asked rhetorically "is that what you want?!" Aside from the obvious racism, various online commentators noted the confusion of the statement asking how exactly NATO uses “dark skinned children”  as weapons of war?

The scandal caused by these racist comments led Mr. Voronin to be referred to the National Equality Council who will investigate his comments. It was also condemned by the head of the EU Delegation to Moldova, Peter Michalko who said “There have been tragedies in the history of mankind that began with words. You cannot tolerate such discourse.” Mr. Dodon remained silent on the scandal. Though we should note that Mr. Voronin, as first on the party list, is the official leader of this Bloc. 

Stumbles and scandals aside, it’s entirely possible that this is the discourse that Mr. Dodon wants in this election. The fear, demonizing of minorities and warnings to the destruction of the nation are painting an apocalyptic picture that he hopes will energize his base. It remains to be seen if that will work but it certainly drowns out any serious policy discussion. 

Disunity in the Union of Unionists?

The National Unity Party (PUN) rejected the offer of AUR to create a Union of Unionist Parties. As PUN is the only Unionist Party with actual Parliamentary representation at this time this seems a significant development. In turning down the offer to form a bloc, a PUN representative said “PUN cannot agree to that [joining the block]. AUR is known as a populist party, anti-Semitic, anti-European, which opposes NATO, the wearing of masks and vaccines.” Meanwhile, Dorin Chirtoacă, leader of the Liberal Party had no such problems and agreed to join the AUR coalition. While Mr. Chirtoacă has failed to garner any serious support in recent elections either for Parliament or Mayor, his status as the former mayor of the capital does lend AUR some credibility. 

Shor will Lead the Shor Party List

Ilan Shor has proved you can’t take the Shor out of the Shor party and put himself at the head of the electoral list. Since he continues to live in hiding abroad as a fugitive from justice it is not likely he will return to claim his seat in Parliament should his party gain any seats. 

Politics

In other Political news, Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia have announced the formation of an “Associated Trio” whereby the three nations will cooperate on regional efforts with a goal for the ultimate European Integration of all 3 countries. Russia was not amused by this move with one Duma Deputy calling it a “State Department Plot” referring to the US Department of state. She further noted that in her opinion none of these countries will ever be admitted to the EU referring to the “frozen” conflicts in the Donbas, Transnistria, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia. Given that these conflicts are sustained by Russian diplomacy and money, this sounded a bit more like a threat than an observation. 

Mr. Dodon was also furious, calling it a “Very Dangerous Document” that is clearly “anti-Russian in Nature.” He followed this up with various thoughts on NATO. 

In a further exchange, Russia and the US entered a geopolitical war of words over the Moldovan elections with Russia accusing the US of meddling in Moldovan elections. The US Ambassador to Moldova responded that the US is a Development partner and will always speak up on issues of corruption, rule of law, and other constraints that prevent Moldova’s progress. While this exchange is pretty typical in some ways, the open and accusatory nature of these comments really underlines how far we are from the US-EU-Russia diplomatic collaboration in June 2019 to oust Mr. Plahotniuc. 

Improving, but Still Terrible - the State of LGBTQ Rights in Moldova

In a regional ranking of LGBT friendly countries compiled by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association (ILGA), Moldova ranked 36th of 49 countries. The ranking looks at equality, non-discrimination laws, hate crimes laws, and marriage or civil unions laws. The good news is that Moldova moved up 2 places since 2020 and 5 places since 2019. The bad news is that 36 / 49 isn’t great. For regional comparison, Romania ranked 38th place and Ukraine 40th. So Moldova is at least a leader among its neighbors. 

COVID Updates - VAX to Normal

The COVID numbers continue to improve in Moldova with a 7-day average of 163 new cases per day and 10 deaths.

Blue represents daily cases / deaths. Red represents the 7-day moving average

Moldova has solidly entered Phase 3 with anyone over 18 being eligible for the vaccine. Vaccination centers are now working 7 days a week and mass vaccination centers are being set up in more locations including the Central Market. Chisinau Mayor Ceban called on all residents of be vaccinated and indicated that the city will look to Romania’s example and organize “Vaccination Marathons” for targeted populations. The first such marathon is currently running at the Chisinau Medical University which hopes to vaccinate all students and staff in a 3 day period. Additionally, vaccination of prisoners is now in process as well. 

Is there enough supply for all these vaccinations?

So far, yes. Moldova has given over 200,000 doses out but still has at least 400,000 unused. Furthermore, the Interim Government announced the purchase of 700,000 doses of Pfizer which are set to arrive in September-October. Meanwhile, the Lithuanian President pledged 11,000 doses of vaccine when he was visiting Moldova this week. Meanwhile, COXAX delivered 50,000 doses of Pfizer on May 20th, with a promise of 50,000 more on May 21st, as well as 45,000 doses of AstraZeneca on May 24th. Taken together, it looks like Moldova will continue to receive doses at a rate fast enough to keep up with demand. 

When can Vaccinated People Travel?

This question remains very much up in the air. Ukraine and Moldova have announced that they will mutually recognize each other’s vaccine certificates. But the EU standards on vaccine passports have yet to materialize. President Sandu spoke this week with German Chancellor Merkel to discuss this issue and find a way for Moldovan vaccination certificates to be accepted in this EU scheme. Meanwhile, the Head of the EU Delegation has said that he thinks it “very likely” that the EU will accept Moldova’s vaccine certificates. But we’ll have to wait and see how all these efforts play out. 

Economic News

Regal Pizza Terrace Gets Bulldozed

In the center of the city, Regal Pizza has long sat right at the corner of Cathedral Park atop a soviet era public bathroom. Regal had a lease with the city to rent a large area of sidewalk for an outdoor terrace that seats around 100 persons. This lease recently expired and the city chose not to renew. But Regal chose not to leave. So the Mayor sent a demolition team and removed the terrace forcibly. Anyone who has ever been a victim of Regal’s “Hawaian Pizza,” inexplicably topped only with bananas and liquid chocolate for sauce, may not mourn the establishment. But underlying this story is a continuing tragedy for Chisinau’s restaurant sector. Chisinau has always been notoriously slow, and very corrupt, when it comes to approving restaurant terraces. Now, in a global pandemic where it is much safer to eat outside, the city is setting a new bar for slow AND demolishing existing terraces. There is a time and place for all things and I commend Mayor Ceban’s work to clean up the city. But this is not the time for terraces. Moldova should follow the lead of many regional countries and encourage outdoor gathers and dining rather than make it harder than ever before. 

EBRD Now Owns 100% of the Giurgiulesti International Freeport

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has acquired the shares of the port previously controlled by Danube Logistics and is now owner of 100% of the port. EBRD indicated it is seeking additional international investors and partners. Recall that the port was speculated to be subject to a raider attack where an Azerbaijani Oligarch (who is the owner of Bemol gas stations) sued the former CEO of Danube Logistics claiming he should own the port as a consequence of a personal debt between them. Bemol noted in a press release that it has ongoing legal action against Danube Logistics and will be following up with the EBRD. As always, the situation at Moldova’s only port remains opaque, but it is probably fair to say that the EBRD has a lot on its hands. 

Highway to Kyiv?

Moldova and Ukraine have announced the construction of a bridge across the Nistru that will allow a highway to connect Chisinau to Kyiv. On the Moldova side, this refers to the USAID financed Chisinau - Soroca road with the bridge located near Cosauti (MD) and Yampil (Ukraine). The project is currently in a study phase as engineers decide exactly where to position the bride. Such a highway would not only make a weekend in Kyiv much more feasible, it would also connect Moldovan goods to larger markets and give access to Europe through Ukraine. 

Crime and Corruption - Where is Judge Ceaus?

The Ukrainian Judge whose kidnapping we discussed in a past Weekly Roundup, has released a video. In it, he claims “he’s fine and was not at all kidnapped after all.” The judge’s wife and lawyer say that he appears to be speaking under duress and that he is in fact being held captive at an unknown location. In addressing this continuing situation, the Ukrainian Foriegn Minister announced that he believes that Russia is behind the kidnapping. As proof, he cited the fact that Russian media are spinning the kidnapping to somehow pin blame on President Sandu. Given that this is not in fact proof of any kind, this seems like a very hard story to swallow. Multiple investigations by RISE (part 1, part 2) Moldova have shown exactly who was behind the kidnapping, that they were Ukrainian, and that they had numerous government and intelligence service connections. It is still very unclear what happened to the judge, but statements about Russia being involved are going to need a lot of proof behind them. So are videos from a man who was kidnapped in the trunk of a car that this “is all simply a misunderstanding and I’m fine.”

Ending on a High Note!

Literally. Natalia Gordienko performed her song “Sugar” (video link) in the semi-finals this week where she held a note for a Eurovision record of 17 seconds! Gordienko, representing Moldova, passed the semi-finals and is off to the Eurovision finals!!