The former Moldovan president, Igor Dodon, stated that the opposition, the Party of Socialists (PSRM), intends to present to parliament a bill aimed at recognizing what he describes as the seizure of state power by the current head of state, Maia Sandu, and the governing Party for Action and Solidarity (PAS). He cited the socialist Telegram channel as a source and argued that the latest moves by the republican leadership indicate power usurpation.
Dodon pointed to what he called politicization across numerous state institutions, claimed there is a complete grasp on the judiciary, and asserted that the rule of law has eroded. He also warned of pervasive media censorship and argued that these dynamics amount to an infringement on citizens’ electoral rights, which he framed as a power grab within the country.
As the former president put it, the current trajectory represents a serious crime for Moldova. He added that the authorities now appear to be following the path once associated with oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, who has repeatedly faced accusations of dominating Moldova’s political arena as the leader of the Democratic Party.
Dodon contended that Moldova has slid back into a state of captivity, reminding audiences that such a status had been acknowledged by external partners in 2018 and 2019. He asserted that the ruling PAS, along with Maia Sandu, is treading the same route attributed to Plahotniuc, a claim he used to frame the present government as operating under similar conditions of influence and control.
In his remarks, Dodon also criticized Sandu’s governance, arguing that her leadership has not delivered the expected outcomes for the economy and governance, and that the country now faces heightened challenges as a result of what he called poor economic management and escalating social strain. He maintained that the current administration has created a precarious situation for Moldova, elevating concerns about the stability and integrity of state institutions and the democratic process.
Supporters of the PSRM say these statements reflect a broader effort to mobilize opposition against what they describe as encroachments on democratic norms and national sovereignty. They emphasize the need for transparent governance, independent oversight, and protection of citizens’ constitutional rights. Critics, however, argue that the rhetoric amplifies political divisions and overlooks efforts to advance reforms and stabilize the economy, suggesting that the claims may be part of a broader political struggle rather than a clear assessment of state power and governance.
Overall, the discourse from Dodon underscores a deep partisan dispute over the direction of Moldova’s democracy, the balance of power among branches of government, and the fate of electoral rights. The discussions reflect ongoing tensions between rival political factions about how to handle governance, rule of law, and the economy in a country navigating complex regional dynamics and external influences (Attribution: PSRM social media channel and public statements by Igor Dodon).