PM says Moldova resists, retaliates to prevent Russian occupation plan

State institutions are acting, in order to prevent interference by the Russian Federation with the electoral process in Moldova and to combat schemes to falsify the election due on September 28. Prime Minister Dorin Recean has made statements to this effect at a news conference held at the government.

“Moldova is in an electoral campaign. The Russian Federation is also in an electoral campaign, but in our country. The goal is to take power in Chisinau, violating the sovereign will of the Moldovans. The pressure is increasing, but rest assured of one thing: the state Republic of Moldova resists. We not only resist, but we also firmly retaliate and will prevent the Russian occupation plan,” said Prime Minister Dorin Recean.

In his speech, the PM referred to the ways used by the Russian side to hinder the conduct of free and fair elections in Moldova. According to the prime minister, members of criminal groups trained in Serbia, linked to Russian services and political parties in Moldova, are involved in preparing mass disorders. Following searches, weapons, batons, tents, tens of thousands of euros were found and state institutions reported the arrest of over 70 people.

Another way involves electoral bribery – a plan implemented by the Shor network. In this regard, the National Anticorruption Center is carrying out 2,500 criminal prosecution actions; dozens of people have been detained and the police have conducted over 600 searches in the last two months for cases of electoral bribery or attempts at destabilization. The prime minister also spoke about cyber-attacks on critical government infrastructure, page cloning, account hacking and massive informational poisoning through the creation of fake accounts and fabricated videos.

“This is not an ordinary electoral battle. It is a siege on our country. Russia is spending hundreds of millions of euros to buy votes at the September 28 elections. But our state will not allow vote theft to become an electoral coup,” emphasized the PM.

At the same time, the prime minister stressed that the authorities were prepared for any incidents – power outages, false bomb alerts or other scenarios that may put state institutions under pressure. The PM urged members of polling stations’ bureau and observers to be vigilant and intervene according to procedures, and voters to report infringements of the electoral offices.

“We cannot change what Russia is doing, but we can change what we do as a people. Let us turn concern into mobilization and prudent actions. Let us retaliate by preventing their schemes. You have the power. The state is with you and you must be with the state. This is the final battle for the future of our country and I urge you all to participate with an honest vote,” said Prime Minister Dorin Recean.