Moldova's EU Membership Debate: Minister Slams Vote Buying

A senior government minister in Moldova has urged citizens to resist the influence of 'thieves, fugitives, and bandits' amid allegations of vote-buying by a pro-Russian exiled businessman. This occurs against the backdrop of a contentious campaign for Moldova's October 20 presidential election and a crucial referendum on EU membership.

A senior government minister in Moldova has urged citizens to resist the influence of 'thieves, fugitives, and bandits' amid allegations of vote-buying by a pro-Russian exiled businessman. Speaking ahead of Moldova's October 20 presidential election, Infrastructure Minister Andrei Spinu highlighted the complexities of a campaign where pro-European President Maia Sandu seeks re-election.

Spinu's address comes in response to fugitive businessman Ilan Shor's offer to pay voters for registering and voting 'no' in an upcoming referendum on EU membership. Shor, sentenced in absentia and currently in Russia, champions the 'Victory' election bloc despite being barred from the election campaign.

As Moldova grapples with electoral fraud concerns, President Sandu urged vigilance against intimidation and corruption. Authorities have also linked recent acts of vandalism on state property to destabilization efforts orchestrated from Moscow. Despite the tensions, Sandu appears favored to win re-election with significant public support for EU membership.

(With inputs from agencies.)