Since the outbreak of the coronavirus crisis, Moldova has received help from several countries. The European Union (EU) is the main donor, with €87 million in the form of grants and a share of another €140 million, destined to the Eastern Partnership states. However, President Igor Dodon denies the EU’s contribution and puts Russia, China, Turkey, Switzerland and, tangentially, the U.S. at the forefront. Dodon claims that the EU made beautiful statements, but did not contribute with real help. In contrast, Prime Minister Ion Chicu acknowledges the EU generous support for Moldova.

ZdG asked the experts why Dodon turns a blind eye on the EU’s support but exaggerates Russia’s help.

Galina Bostan, Center for the Analysis and Prevention of Corruption 

The non-honest behavior among politicians has already become a habit of theirs. Their behavior is similar to that of a dog, which bites the hand that gives it food. In the case of an animal, we can guess and understand the reasons. As for the current government, we can only regret that we have reached this point. This pandemic allowed us to see and realize what kind of public authorities we have and how they express their concern for the citizens.

Radu Marian, deputy

Currently, the Kremlin is conducting an EU denigration campaign. And expressing these hesitancies in acknowledging the EU’s support is how Dodon executes the orders that come from Kremlin. The overemphasis of Russian aid, the delivery of tests and other equipment that proved useless, the fake news about the alleged failure of the EU to help countries in difficulty – are all tools that Vladimir Putin now uses to undermine the European project. This is going on at the time when the EU offered to Moldova the most imposing support, worth €87 million, to fight the pandemic. An analysis conducted by my colleagues shows that this amount is 100 times the value of the support provided by Russia. Therefore, the hesitations of the government-controlled by Dodon are part of a campaign carried out by the Kremlin to denigrate the European project at the European level.

Valentin Dolganiuc, political analyst 

It is no a secret that Dodon is the exponent of Russia’s interests in Moldova. His purpose is to detach Moldova as much as possible from the EU and to integrate it into the Euro-Asian Union. Therefore, Dodon will permanently turn a blind eye on EU aid and exaggerate Russia’s contribution. Benefiting from a powerful media holding, Dodon’s false message reaches every home and every mind. And while Moldova lacks honest public television, Russian propaganda does its job perfectly well. At the same time, it is necessary to answer an existential question: “How did Dodon get absolute power in Moldova, and by this we mean Russia. Who helped him, favored him, created his legislative framework, and voted his candidates in key positions?” I think the people who formed the Kozak alliance, those who were blinded by success and were branded as amateurs in politics, should answer these questions.

Valeriu Munteanu, Save Basarabia Union 

It is Dodon’s basic tactic to deny, hide and trivialize any aid from the EU and other Western partners during the COVID-19 crisis. In such a way, Dodon pays back part of his debts to Russia. The Kremlin, including its European satellites, is trying to show the public that the EU is an amorphous body, without solutions and resources, while Russia is always ready and eager to help. The case with Italy is a vivid example. At the same time, Dodon and his entourage seek to highlight the so-called generosity of Russia, which donated to our state 10,000 Chinese express tests and to cover the hundreds of millions of euros that come from the EU to mitigate the effects of the pandemic crisis in Moldova.