Corruption

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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky makes a surprise visit to Kherson on November 14, 2022. Zelensky wanted to offer support to residents of the liberated city occupied by Russian for over 8 months. © Paula Bronstein /Getty Images

Zelensky's Approval Ratings Soar Amid War

Ukrainians are united behind their president, but corruption scandals may affect their support.

2 Feb 23

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev (right) with Vasif Talibov (left), now former governor of Nakhchivan in an official meeting in 2017. On December 21, 2022 Talibov resigned from his ruling position in the country’s remote enclave after 27 years. The 62-year-old cited health concerns, but rumours had been circulating that the central government in Baku sought greater control on the region. © Azerbaijan’s Presidential Press and Information Office

Azerbaijan: “The Sultan” Steps Down

Longtime ruler of autonomous enclave resigns on health concerns, but observers maintain his exit was on Baku’s orders.

24 Jan 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

Nursultan Nazarbayev ruled Kazakstan between 1991 and 2019. Over three decades the former president and his inner circle, accused of corruption and nepotism, have built a cult of personality around him. © elbasy.kz

Kazakstan: Nazarbayev’s Fading Personality Cult

Since 1991, the ex-leader has become identified with the state itself, but his status is now crumbling.

11 Feb 22

Cranes tower the Caspian Sea shore in Azerbaijan's capital Baku. The government in the oil-rich nation increased the costs of gas and electricity twice in 2021, but experts warn that there is no economic justification for the price hikes. © IWPR / Monica Ellena

Azerbaijan: Soaring Energy Prices Fuel Discontent

State blames increasing cost on global market, while analysts see exploitation and corruption at fault.

17 Jan 22

The statue of Vladimir Lenin in front of the office of the Chairperson of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia and the People's Assembly. © IWPR Moldova

Moldova: Gagauzia Elections “Part of Corrupt System”

Analysts say that politicians pander to highly localised interests amid little transparency.

18 Sep 21

Activists Fight to Save Batumi's Historic Boulevard

Legal battle begins to stop controversial high-rise construction project in city's cultural district.

24 May 21

Ukrainian Judge’s Kidnapping May Have Political Impact in Moldova

Pro-Russian politicians accuse head of state of colluding in abduction

10 May 21

In recent years Iraqi artists have developed their street art and caricatures in support of the anti-government movements. © Erin Trieb/Getty Images

“My Art is a Tool to Defend Freedom”

How one IWPR trainee uses political cartoons as a call for action.

9 Feb 21

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