Moldova's police chief, appointed by a government focused on European integration, expressed concern over the sudden appearance of posters in the capital, Chisinau, bearing the message “No EU.” The posters, written in Russian and Romanian, emerged overnight last month and were supposedly linked to a concert for a popular Ukrainian singer.
However, the police chief, Viorel Cernauteanu, indicated that the timing of the posters coincided with an impending referendum aimed at amending the Constitution to affirm Moldova’s commitment to a European future. He suggested that the posters were part of a “big psychological operation” orchestrated by Russia to undermine the referendum.
Cernauteanu pointed to fugitive Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor, currently in Moscow, as a possible instigator of the campaign, though he did not provide specific evidence. Shor, who has been sentenced in Moldova for involvement in a major banking fraud, has been associated with efforts promoting Russian influence in the region.
The upcoming referendum, set for Sunday, represents a crucial moment in Moldova's ongoing struggle between Western and Eastern influences. Both the European Union and Russia have invested significantly in influencing the outcome of the vote. The EU has openly supported Moldova's government, while Russia has been accused of covertly funding anti-government activities and spreading disinformation.
Quick actions were taken to remove the anti-EU posters, as campaigning is limited to registered organizations. Pro-Western President Maia Sandu is expected to secure victory in the presidential election, despite dissatisfaction with her economic policies. The referendum's outcome remains uncertain, particularly due to high emigration rates affecting voter turnout.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently visited Chisinau, encouraging citizens to participate in the vote and offering a substantial economic support package. Conversely, a campaign fueled by disinformation and intimidation has emerged to promote abstention from voting.
The Kremlin has denied allegations of interference in Moldova's affairs, claiming that the Moldovan government suppresses pro-Russian sentiments. Recently, Shor promised monetary incentives for new subscribers to a Telegram channel opposing EU membership, although the channel has since been suspended for violating local laws.
Concerns over the spread of disinformation via social media have prompted calls for action from U.S. officials. Recent efforts by Meta resulted in the removal of numerous accounts linked to coordinated disinformation campaigns, including those promoting the aforementioned concert.
Moldova's historical context reflects a division between pro-Western and pro-Russian leadership since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The upcoming referendum aims to solidify Moldova's alignment with the West, although resistance remains, particularly among older Russian-speaking populations.
Russian propaganda has sought to exploit fears surrounding EU integration, suggesting it could lead to societal decay and family disruption. Disinformation campaigns have intensified leading up to the vote, with fabricated narratives and manipulated media designed to sway public opinion.
Recent allegations of a fake ministry letter advocating for an LGBT festival have further fueled tensions, with officials quickly dismissing the document as fraudulent. Activists supporting the European cause face significant challenges in overcoming deep-seated societal prejudices, particularly regarding issues of sexual orientation.
As the referendum approaches, the stakes are high. Russian officials have issued warnings about the potential consequences of Moldova's continued integration with Europe, emphasizing the urgency of the decision facing voters.