TRIBUNA continues its project in which we present the political events that took place exactly one year ago. This time, we invite you to remember what happened on August 18, 2025.

Farewell Meetings

Prime Minister Dorin Recean held a farewell meeting with the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, Ambassador Jānis Mažeiks. The Prime Minister thanked the ambassador for his constant support and appreciated the contribution of EU member states to advancing Moldova’s reform agenda. Justice Minister Veronica Mihailov-Moraru also held a farewell meeting with the European official.

PLDM Appeal

The Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM) challenged in administrative court the decision of the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) rejecting its inclusion on the list of parties eligible to participate in the parliamentary elections.

Statement by Irina Vlah’s Party

In a statement, the Republican Party “Heart of Moldova” expressed concern that in the Republic of Moldova “inflation continues to rise, while the government is not only doing nothing to stop this increase but, through its incompetent stance or ill will, is instead contributing to the growth of this indicator.”

Nick Pietrowicz’s Meeting with Alexandr Stoianoglo

Ahead of the September parliamentary elections, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Nick Pietrowicz met with Alexandr Stoianoglo, one of the leaders of the “Alternative” Bloc. They discussed the situation in the country and the parliamentary elections.

Decision Regarding Moldovagaz

Moldovagaz JSC was designated, by a decision of the National Agency for Energy Regulation, as the entity responsible for supplying natural gas to the Transnistrian region for the period from September 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

Nicolae Todos Has Died

Nicolae Todos, a member of the first Parliament and a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, passed away. The announcement was made by Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, who said he had known him personally, as they were both from Andrușul de Sus.

“Alternative” Bloc Conference

Representatives of the “Alternative” Bloc said at a press conference that “Parliament and the Government have ignored the principles of the rule of law and the recommendations of the Venice Commission and have undermined the credibility of the judicial reform process by politically appointing the new judges of the Constitutional Court.”

Third Edition of the Great National Dictation

The Ministry of Education and Research, under the auspices of the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova, announced the launch of the third edition of the Great National Dictation, an event expected to bring together more than 2,000 people, four times more than participated in the first edition held in 2023. Details about the event dedicated to Romanian Language Day were announced at a press conference by Minister Dan Perciun.

Vlad Batrîncea’s Request

The Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova, in a statement, criticized the authorities’ intention to open fewer polling stations for the parliamentary elections in the Transnistrian region than during previous elections. In this regard, Parliament Deputy Speaker and member of the PSRM Executive Political Committee Vlad Batrîncea submitted an official request to the Bureau for Reintegration Policies, asking for the documents and opinions underlying the decision on opening polling stations for citizens from the left bank of the Dniester.

Two Election Applications

During the day, the Central Electoral Commission received two applications to register candidates for the position of Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. One application, containing a list of 101 candidates, was submitted by the Modern Democratic Party of Moldova, while the other, containing a list of 54 candidates, was submitted by the “Christian-Social Union of Moldova” Party. In addition, subscription lists and other relevant documents were submitted by Dina Carpinschi, a potential independent candidate for Parliament in the September 28, 2025 parliamentary elections, who had independently collected signatures in her support.

CEC Decisions

The Central Electoral Commission (CEC), at its meeting, registered candidate lists for the position of Member of Parliament from two electoral blocs and one political party. Thus, the list of 101 candidates of the Respect Moldova Movement Party was registered. The Commission also approved a list of 104 parliamentary candidates from the Patriotic Electoral Bloc of Socialists, Communists, Heart and Future of Moldova, as well as a list of 103 candidates from the “Alternative” Electoral Bloc. At the same meeting, the Commission rejected the application to register the list of parliamentary candidates submitted by the “NOI” Political Party. According to the documents submitted, irregularities were identified in the preparation of the candidate list.

Activities of the Head of State

President Maia Sandu participated in the National Forum of Teaching Staff, which brought together hundreds of teachers from general education institutions across the country in Chișinău, as well as representatives of public institutions, international organizations, academia, and the business community. Maia Sandu also met with participants of the DOR camp, who had gathered at the presidential residence in Condrița.

Announcement by the Ministry of Finance

The Ministry of Finance announced a new subscription period for government securities, available through the online platform eVMS.md from August 18 to 27, 2025. This was the second of three sessions planned for the third quarter of 2025.

Renato Usatîi’s Accusations

The leader of the “Our Party,” Renato Usatîi, accused a group of PAS MPs and a judge who, together with controversial banker Gherman Gorbunțov, had annulled, in a closed-door hearing, the order to discontinue the criminal prosecution against Renato Usatîi. In a live broadcast on social media, the leader of “Our Party” said that PAS representatives were allegedly attempting to blackmail “Our Party” into forming an alliance after the autumn parliamentary elections.

Meetings with the U.S. Delegation

Parliament Deputy Speaker Doina Gherman met with a delegation from the U.S. House of Representatives, which was on an information visit to the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. The delegation was led by Mike Platt, Director of the Secretariat of the House Committee on House Administration. The discussions focused on current issues facing the Republic of Moldova. Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi also held a meeting with the U.S. delegation.

Conviction for Illegal Financing

The Chișinău Court, Buiucani District, found the head of the Ștefan-Vodă territorial office of the former “Șor” Political Party guilty of complicity in the illegal financing of the party by an organized criminal group. The court sentenced her to four years in prison, suspended for a three-year probation period, and banned her for five years from holding leadership positions in political parties or their organizations and from carrying out financial administration/management or logistical organization activities within political formations. The court also ordered the confiscation in favor of the state of 2,380,150.84 lei, representing funds used to commit the offense, as well as her mobile phone.

Police Clarifications

The National Police announced that evening that the “Șor” organization, through intermediaries, had involved minors and representatives of various ethnic communities, allegedly promising them illegal payments “to create division and incite hatred among people.” Roma and Gagauz citizens were involved in paid protests organized near the Presidential Palace. To restore order, the Police and Carabinieri intervened immediately and took 28 people displaying aggressive behavior toward police officers to police stations.

Announcement by the NOI Party

The “New Historical Option” (NOI) political party announced that it had begun drafting a special National Strategy for attracting foreign investment in agriculture, which it plans to promote in the future Parliament.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Message

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that separating Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova in the European Union accession process would be “a very bad move.” The message was posted on X following his visit to Brussels, where he met with several European leaders.

Olesea Stamate’s Warning

Olesea Stamate, an independent parliamentary candidate, issued a public appeal, warning of the existence of networks of online pages targeting the Moldovan diaspora that allegedly promoted manipulative messages and pro-government propaganda.

Source: Political Almanac 2025