Republic of Moldova - February 2023

Dorin Recean was sworn in as Moldova’s new prime minister on 16 February, less than a week after the resignation of his predecessor, Natalia Gavrilita. Although both are avowedly pro-Western politicians, Gavrilita’s government cited a lack of popular support for European integration policies and the economic and social instability caused by Russia’s war on neighbouring Ukraine as reasons for the resignation. Tensions have been fanned by the vocal protests of the pro-Russian Shor party and its supporters, as well as allegations by Moldovan and Ukrainian officials that Moscow was attempting to mount a coup in the country.

Sources: Financial Times, Point, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Meduza