TRIBUNA continues its project highlighting political events that took place exactly one year ago. This time, we invite you to recall the events of October 17, 2025.

 Igor Dodon’s Decision

Igor Dodon, co-chairman of the Patriotic Bloc, announced during his online programme that, after nearly 10 years away from such a commitment, he had decided to remain in Parliament. He described it as “a conscious choice, dictated by the trust people have placed in me and my responsibility towards them.Igor Dodon also announced that the Socialists would not vote in favour of Maia Sandu’s PAS government.

Security Alert at the Airport

On the morning of October 17, an alert was declared at Eugen Doga Chișinău International Airport after a suspicious piece of luggage was discovered. Following inspections by specialized teams, it was determined that the luggage did not contain any explosive substances. Airport operations subsequently returned to normal.

Irina Vlah’s Briefing

Irina Vlah, leader of the Republican Party “Heart of Moldova,” held a briefing during which she addressed the authorities’ intention to seek a 12-month restriction on her party’s activities.

Vladimir Voronin’s Refusal

Vladimir Voronin, leader of the Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova, announced that he would not preside over Parliament’s inaugural sitting in his capacity as its longest-serving member. He stated that, after serving two presidential terms and 11 terms as an MP, he could not open a parliamentary session in which the majority had been secured through elections that he described as “partially free” and “partially democratic,” alleging irregularities, manipulation, and falsification.

PLDM Statement

In a statement, the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM) expressed deep concern over what it described as “the outrageous manner in which President Maia Sandu is subordinating the entire state apparatus to herself, defying constitutional principles and the democratic balance of Moldova’s institutions.” The party was referring to the president’s decision to take responsibility for identifying a candidate for the position of prime minister, a move also confirmed by Alexandru Munteanu, the prospective candidate for the post.

Press Conference at the Ministry of Labour

Ministers Alexei Buzu and Marcel Spatari held a press conference to present the achievements of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection during the 2021–2025 period.

Mihai Popșoi Meets with Giuseppe Maria Perricone

Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi received Giuseppe Maria Perricone, Italy’s newly appointed ambassador to the Republic of Moldova. Popșoi noted that Moldova and Italy enjoyed an outstanding partnership at all levels and highlighted concrete projects contributing to the development of bilateral cooperation.

World Bank Mission

A World Bank team conducted a support mission from October 13 to 17, 2025, to assist with the implementation of the project “Public Procurement Efficiency and Value for Money in the Republic of Moldova.”

The project is financed through the multi-donor trust fund “Moldova – Growth, Resilience and Opportunities for Well-being” (M-GROW).

Details of Investments Through eVMS

The Ministry of Finance announced that subscriptions through the eVMS.md platform between October 6 and 15, 2025, attracted investments totalling **28,514,800 lei**, almost twice the amount recorded in the previous month. A total of 587 transactions were carried out by 468 investors.

Central Electoral Commission Meeting

During its meeting, the Central Electoral Commission approved the electoral symbols of political parties registered as electoral contestants for the new local elections scheduled for November 16, 2025. The symbols were approved for printing on ballot papers.

Presidential Decree

President Maia Sandu signed a decree convening the 12th legislature of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. According to the decree, the first sitting of the newly elected Parliament was scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2025, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Local Election Campaign Begins

The electoral campaign for the new local elections scheduled for November 16, 2025, officially began. Under the provisions of the Electoral Code, electoral contestants were required to conduct their campaigns fairly and with integrity.

Renato Usatîi’s Press Conference

During a press conference, Renato Usatîi called on the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), which held a parliamentary majority, to initiate genuine dialogue with all parliamentary factions in order to form a government of professionals. He also announced that mayors from his party who had won parliamentary seats would remain in their mayoral positions to prevent snap elections in their respective cities.

Ion Sula Attends the Party of European Socialists Congress

Ion Sula, First Deputy Chairman of the European Social Democratic Party, participated in the Congress of the Party of European Socialists (PES), held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, from October 16 to 18. On the sidelines of the event, Sula held several meetings, including with Sorin Grindeanu, interim president of Romania’s Social Democratic Party, and Özgür Özel, leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP) of Türkiye.

Source: Political Almanac 2025