Moldova’s Prime Minister Resigns Amid Russian Pressure
Moldova’s Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilita resigned on Friday, February 10th, amid intense Russian economic and political pressure and reports that a Russian missile had entered Moldova’s airspace.[0] Gavrilita, a staunch backer of Kyiv’s fight against Russia, announced her resignation at a press conference, saying that her government had not been given enough support from their European partners.[1]
Gavrilita's government, elected in the summer of 2021, was viewed as pro-Western and an ally of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky told EU leaders during a European summit in Brussels on Thursday that Ukraine had intercepted Russian plans to “destroy” Moldova.[2] The Moldovan Intelligence and Security Service issued a statement later that day declaring that they had been informed of Russian strategies to destabilize the nation.[3]
Moldova’s Foreign Ministry has since summoned the Russian ambassador in capital Chisinau for talks over the “unacceptable violation”.[2] Gavrilita has been replaced by Dorin Recean, a noted pro-EU figure and current national security adviser, who requires the approval of Moldova’s parliament for confirmation.[4] Recean, 48, is a former interior minister and senior aide.[5]
The government’s resignation comes after Moldova was granted candidate status to the European Union last June, but has faced intense pressure from Moscow, which has sought to undermine its authority.[6]
0. “Moldova PM, government resign amid intense Russian pressure” UPI News, 10 Feb. 2023, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2023/02/10/Moldova-Prime-Minister-Gavrilita-resigns/5461676039967
1. “Moldovan government collapses day after Zelensky warns of Russian plot” The Times, 10 Feb. 2023, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/zelensky-eu-parliament-brussels-jets-ukraine-war-macron-scholz-2023-60mzj8smc
2. “Moldova's Prime Minister quits as Russia's war rages in neighbouring Ukraine” Evening Standard, 10 Feb. 2023, https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/moldova-prime-minister-resigns-natalia-gavrilita-war-ukraine-russia-putin-b1059445.html
3. “Ukraine Loses an Ally After Warning That Putin Planned to ‘Destroy' Moldova” Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2023, https://www.newsweek.com/ukraine-loses-ally-after-warning-that-putin-planned-destroy-moldova-1780423
4. “Moldova names new pro-EU prime minister after government falls amid Russian pressure” POLITICO Europe, 10 Feb. 2023, https://www.politico.eu/article/moldova-government-resign-pro-european-union-natalia-gavrilita/
5. “Moldova’s President Reshuffles Government Amid Security Risks” Yahoo Life, 10 Feb. 2023, https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/moldovan-premier-gavrilita-resigns-citing-111809268.html
6. “Moldovan gov’t resigns after PM steps down” La Prensa Latina, 10 Feb. 2023, https://www.laprensalatina.com/moldovan-govt-resigns-after-pm-steps-down
