Separatism and gas: Russian attempts to destabilise Moldova
Separatism and gas: Russian attempts to destabilise Moldova

Author(s): Kamil Całus
Subject(s): Energy and Environmental Studies, Environmental and Energy policy, Government/Political systems, International relations/trade, Political behavior, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: OSW Ośrodek Studiów Wschodnich im. Marka Karpia
Keywords: Russia; Moldova; Tensions in Gagauzia; energy crisis; Moldova’s socio-economic crisis;
Summary/Abstract: As the price crisis in Moldova has worsened in recent months, Moscow has taken steps destabilize the country. These are particularly evident in the autonomous Gagauzia, which has traditionally orientated itself towards Russia and where anti-government and pro-Russian economic protests regularly occur. The sense of insecurity is reinforced by frequent false bomb warnings (more than 50 in July alone), triggered mainly in Chisinau by individuals from Russia and Belarus territories. The uneasy situation persists in Moscow-controlled breakaway Transnistria, which has accused Moldova and Ukraine of complicity in carrying out a series of “attacks” on civilian and military facilities. There is no doubt that by fuelling Moldova’s economic crisis with high energy prices and supporting pro-Russian forces, the Kremlin is counting on the outbreak of mass protests as early as autumn and winter and also that the opposition Electoral Bloc of Communists and Socialists (BECS) will seize power in the country. The public’s deteriorating financial condition and continuing unrest are negatively affecting the popularity of the ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS). According to a June 2022 poll, it can count on only 22.6% of the vote, despite winning more than 52% in the snap parliamentary election just one year ago.

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