“The political class in a bikini” is not just an ironic metaphor — it is almost an X‑ray of our political class.

Moldovan politics increasingly resembles a spectacle of appearances. A runway where characters obsessed with image, cameras, selfies, talk shows and their own ego parade themselves. Too many of those who claim to be leaders no longer want to lead a country — they only want to be seen as leading one. And the difference between real power and stage props is becoming dramatic.

Behind the false image, the consultant‑crafted speeches and the carefully arranged backdrops, the emptiness of a political generation that confuses administration with PR and leadership with going viral on social media is becoming ever more visible.

Today’s political class lives in a state of permanent electoral campaigning. Serious national projects no longer exist — only media productions. There is no doctrine or vision — only emotional marketing. There are almost no statesmen left — only characters built for the camera.

Politicians today can no longer handle tough questions. They want controlled interviews, friendly moderators and environments where nothing can puncture their image. Many of those who display public aggressiveness and superiority collapse after just a few difficult questions. Because behind the media noise there is often an alarming void.

And perhaps this is the biggest problem.
The Republic of Moldova is facing a war at its border, economic crises, exodus, depopulation and major strategic vulnerabilities — while much of the political elite behaves as if living in a permanent reality show. As politicians who play the role of power without understanding the responsibility of power.

And the “bikini” in this metaphor is not about the body. It is about exposure. About the moment when propaganda can no longer cover the lack of substance. About the nakedness of a political elite that is running out of ideas, courage, intellectual consistency and a sense of responsibility.

Vlad Filat, former Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova