The Moldovan government and the EU denounced a Russian disruption campaign ahead of the 28 September elections in the country. Security experts in Chișinău say the Russian and the local Orthodox Churches are playing a destabilising role.

Chișinău

Moldovan officials have raised concerns about the use of the Russian Orthodox Church as a channel for Russian disinformation campaigns ahead of the country's parliamentary elections. The government and Central Election Commission have documented instances of priests engaging in political propaganda, which is illegal under Moldovan law. Authorities warn that these actions are part of broader efforts by Moscow to influence Moldova's internal affairs and hinder its progress toward European integration. The outcome of the elections is seen as significant for Moldova's future, with potential implications for its EU accession talks if pro-Russian parties prevail. Moldovan President Maia Sandu is expected to address the EU Parliament regarding the risks of Russian interference.

How the Orthodox church became a weapon in Moldova's elections

Ahead of the September 28 parliamentary elections and according to the EU, Moldova has once again become a prime target for Russian disinformation campaigns. The authorities in Chisinau have identified methods in which Moscow is trying to influence the internal situation. One of the most insidious one, according to the Moldovan government, is the Russian Orthodox Church being used as a tool to spread Moscow's propaganda and help organize disinformation campaigns in the country. At this stage, we have 10 major campaigns that Russia is trying to carry out to destabilize the Republic of Moldova or, for the most part, to use the Church in our country as a tool to spread propaganda and disinformation in the interest of the Russian Federation. The Central Election Commission has already recorded instances of priests engaging in political propaganda. The authority warns that the Church's involvement in the election campaign is illegal and has urged religious representatives to refrain from political activities. I think the goal is clear, to stop the European integration of our country, to keep the Republic of Moldova in the grey zone of influence of the Russian Federation, to extend this geopolitical power, which is the Moldovan metropolis at the moment, over the minds and votes of people who often attend the Church in the Republic of Moldova. Seen from Brussels, the Moldovan election is a pivotal moment for the country's future. If pro-Russian parties win the elections, the country's EU accession talks are expected to be frozen. Next Tuesday, Moldovan President Maia Sandu is set to address the EU Parliament in Strasbourg about the risks of Russian interference.

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