TRIBUNA continues its project presenting the political events that took place exactly one year ago. This time, we invite you to remember what happened on August 20, 2025.

Government Announcement

The Government announced that August 27, Independence Day, a national holiday in the Republic of Moldova, would be a day off. Thursday, August 28, and Friday, August 29, were to remain working days.

CEC Rejection

At its meeting, the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) examined and rejected the application to register the list of parliamentary candidates submitted by the Centrist Union of Moldova for participation in the parliamentary elections. The Commission found that two people on the party’s candidate list held membership in another political party.

General Prosecutor’s Office Clarifications

The Prosecutor General’s Office of the Republic of Moldova announced that, in the extradition procedure concerning Vladimir Plahotniuc from Greece, state institutions had acted correctly and lawfully, in strict accordance with the powers of the central authorities responsible for extradition, national legislation, and the obligations arising from applicable international treaties.

That day, prosecutors at the Athens Court of Appeal informed Vladimir Plahotniuc of the two additional extradition requests.

Government Officials Suspended

Several officials suspended their activities for the period from August 29 to September 26, as required by the Electoral Code. They were running on the candidate list of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS).

At its meeting, the Government approved the suspension requests of the following officials: Sergiu Gherciu, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry; Gheorghe Hajder, State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment; Roman Cojuhari, head of the Public Property Agency; Artur Mija, Secretary General of the Government; and Ana Calinici, State Secretary of the Government.

The Government also approved requests from several heads and deputy heads of the Government’s territorial offices.

In addition, the Government approved the resignation of Constantin Borosan as State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, while Lina Gudima was dismissed as Deputy Director General of the Medicines and Medical Devices Agency.

Appeal to Political Parties

The “NOI – New Historical Option” Political Party expressed disagreement with the approaches taken regarding Moldova’s energy security and called on other political parties and politicians to stop politicizing the issue and placing energy security in a political and geopolitical context, arguing that such an approach was inappropriate.

iData Poll Results

The iData sociological company presented the results of its Electoral Barometer, conducted from August 7–16, 2025, at a press conference.

A majority of respondents believed that the country was heading in the wrong direction — 53.2%.

If parliamentary elections had been held at that time, four political forces would have entered Parliament: Party of Action and Solidarity — 36%; Patriotic Electoral Bloc of Socialists, Communists, Heart of Moldova and Future of Moldova — 25.7%; “Alternative” Bloc — 11.3%; and “Our Party” — 9.2%.

Protest Outside the Government

The Republican Party “Heart of Moldova,” during a protest outside the Government building, called on the PAS government to introduce a moratorium on school closures and allocate an additional 600,000 lei to the budget of each educational institution.

Distinction for Igor Dodon

Former President Igor Dodon, leader of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova, was awarded the first-degree Church Order of “Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Grand Prince Vladimir” by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church subordinated to the Moscow Patriarchate.

The distinction, awarded on behalf of the Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine, was presented to Igor Dodon during a service at the Assumption Monastery in Călărășeuca.

Winter Plan Approved

The Cabinet approved the Action Plan for preparing for the 2025–2026 heating season.

The document contained 48 measures designed to ensure stable energy supplies throughout the country during the cold season, including diversifying natural gas supply sources and strengthening energy security.

PVM Statement

The “Future of Moldova” Party (PVM), in a statement, condemned the Central Electoral Commission’s decision to open only 10 polling stations for citizens on the left bank of the Dniester, instead of 41, as had been the case in the 2021 elections.

“373” Program Extended

The Government approved amendments to Decision No. 351/2023, extending the “373” investment incentive program until the end of 2028.

The decision came amid results confirming the program’s significant impact on the national economy: more than 840 entrepreneurs had benefited from 1,170 loans totaling 3.6 billion lei, generating investments of more than 5.2 billion lei.

CUB Announcement

The Coalition for Unity and Welfare (CUB) announced the launch of a framework for cooperation among several democratic parties, aimed at ensuring the integrity and fairness of the September 28, 2025 parliamentary elections.

Meeting at the PSDE Headquarters

Tudor Ulianovschi, leader of the European Social Democratic Party, met with the new Chargé d’Affaires of the United States in Chisinau, Nick Pietrowicz.

The meeting took place at the PSDE headquarters. The interlocutors exchanged views on the need to ensure a fair and democratic electoral campaign.

Ballot Draw for Candidates

A draw was held to establish the preliminary order on the ballot for the parliamentary elections for applicants who had submitted registration applications on August 19, 2025.

The preliminary order was established as follows:

• Natalia Clevadî, potential independent candidate — position 27;
• Tatiana Crețu, potential independent candidate — position 28;
• Igor Ianac, potential independent candidate — position 29;
• Professionals’ Movement “Speranța Надежда” — position 30;
• “Our Party” — position 31.

Meeting on Political Advertising

The Central Electoral Commission held a working meeting dedicated to the legal and practical aspects of providing and broadcasting political and electoral advertising in the context of the September 28, 2025 parliamentary elections.

Representatives of the State Tax Service and General Inspectorate of Police participated in the discussions. The meeting aimed to strengthen a common understanding among the responsible institutions and ensure strict compliance with legislation and a fair and transparent electoral process.

Tudor Ulianovschi’s Announcement

Tudor Ulianovschi, president of the European Social Democratic Party, announced that an unprecedented case had occurred in Hîncești, where his colleague Rodion Buruiană, a PSDE councilor on the district council and parliamentary candidate, had allegedly been assaulted by PAS councilor Iurie Zoină.

He called on the authorities to urgently investigate the case.

The National Police subsequently announced that it had registered a complaint from a citizen who reported being assaulted by another citizen in Hîncești.

Igor Grosu’s Visit

Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu paid a working visit to Criuleni District, where he discussed with residents local development projects implemented through government programs, as well as “the importance of maintaining the course toward the great European family.”

Government Decision

The Government of the Republic of Moldova approved a decision establishing the management company for the “Moldova HiTech Park” Advanced Technology Park, a strategically important project for the national economy aimed at accelerating Moldova’s transition toward a knowledge-based, digital, and innovative economy.

A New Party — PLUSS

The Party of the Law of Unity, Sovereignty and Hope (PLUSS) was set to officially appear on the list of political parties in the Republic of Moldova.

Its president, Andrei Donică, announced that the Professionals’ Movement “Speranța-Надежда” had held its congress and changed its name.

Ion Ceban’s Appeal

Ion Ceban, mayor of the capital and one of the leaders of the “Alternative” Bloc, made a public appeal urging the authorities not to block or shut down Telegram channels.

MRM’s Request

The “Respect Moldova Movement” (MRM) called for the resignation of Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi, accusing him of incompetence and a lack of responsibility following the discovery of a bedbug infestation at a military unit in Chisinau.

CEC Leadership Meets French Diplomats

The leadership of the Central Electoral Commission met with representatives of the French Embassy in the Republic of Moldova. The discussions focused on preparations for the September 28, 2025 parliamentary elections.

British Sanctions

Following the United States, the United Kingdom also blacklisted several entities affiliated with Russia and Kyrgyzstan.

Among them were the crypto platforms Grinex and Meer, as well as the digital currency A7A5, launched by politician Ilan Șor, who was convicted of bank fraud. According to the British authorities, Russia allegedly attempted to use the cryptocurrency to circumvent international sanctions.

More than $9 billion was reportedly transferred through the cryptocurrency in just four months.

Source: Political Almanac 2025