Moldova

Seven grader Elizaveta Chernioglo reads a book in Gagauz at her home in Comrat, the administrative centre of Moldova's autonomous region of Gagauzia. The language struggles for popularity among young Gaguzians who largely speak Russian. © Piotr Garciu

Moldova: Gagauz Language Lags Behind Russian

Numbers of speakers in the country’s autonomous region of Gagauzia are dwindling.

17 Jul 23

Ukrainian children who fled the conflict play in a shelter organised in an exhibition centre, on March 13, 2022 in Chisinau, Moldova. Among the neighbouring countries, Moldova is the one that has received the most refugees in proportion to its population. This is a major challenge for this nation among the poorest in Europe. © Andreea Campeanu/Getty Images

Moldova’s Ukrainian Refugees Find Stability, But Long for Home

Chișinău has granted Ukrainians temporary protection status, with automatic rights to housing, healthcare, education and work.

20 Jun 23

On May 22, the Comrat Court of Appeals validated the election of Evghenia Guțul as governor of Moldova’s autonomous region of Gagauzia, after law enforcement agencies detected violations of electoral law, including voter bribery, during the run-off of May 14. © Piotr Garciu

Court Upholds Election of Gagauzia’s Pro-Russian Governor

Even as Chișinău confirms its European path, Evghenia Guțul pledges closer ties with Moscow.

24 May 23

Moldova’s President Maia Sandu during the briefing following the government’s resignation on on 10 February, 2023. Prime Minister Nataliia Gavrilita and her government resigned after a 18 months in power marked by economic turmoil, including inflation and energy security issues, exacerbated by Russian disinformation activity and the war in Ukraine. © Office of the President of Moldova

Moldova’s New Government Expects Fresh Pressure From Moscow

Chisinau puts focus on security amid ongoing attempts at destabilisation.

3 Mar 23

Moldovan oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc. © Graphic by Alex Burets

The Cashier in Dubai

Investigative report tracks tangled route for money flowing to offshore companies from Moldova.

18 Jan 23

Moldova's capital Chisinau. © IWPR

Moldova's Media Struggles to Report on Ukraine

Sector faces challenges including underfunding, a skills gap and embedded pro-Russian propaganda.

19 Oct 22

Konstantin, a pensioner from Moldova's autonomous region of Gagauzia, watches a report about the announcement of "partial mobilization" for the war against Ukraine on pro-Kremlin channel Rossiya 24. © Piotr Garchu/IWPR

Russian Propaganda Dominates Moldova’s Gagauzia

Pro-Kremlin narratives rule the information space in an autonomous region with deeply rooted ties to Moscow.

3 Oct 22

Andrey Kolioglo came out in March 2018 and faced widespread harassment. Since March 2022 he lives in France, where he was granted asylum in the wake of the discrimination he faces in his native Moldova.

Coming Out in Gagauzia’s Conservative Society

“Living life with a constant feeling of fear; this is what you have to get used to here if you are gay.”

15 Sep 22

Moldovans Face Bomb Threats and Cyberattacks

Attacks are tracked to pro-Kremlin forces as tools to put pressure on Chisinau in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

5 Sep 22

Moldova's largest Pride march took place on June 19 under heavy security. Police officers outnumbered participants by one to four. © Aliona Ciurca

Moldova’s Largest Ever Pride March Defies Critics

Discrimination remain common as the country edges towards the European integration.

27 Jun 22

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