kitchen talk: Moldova between presidential and parliamentary elections

Background and context

Moldova, a small nation at the crossroads, is emerging as a key geopolitical flashpoint. As nationalist and populist narratives gain traction in Romania and Ukraine's future remains uncertain, Moldova's stability and reform efforts are central to the region's security.

But the razor-thin victory in the EU referendum and the record-breaking turnout of the Moldovan diaspora in support of incumbent President Maia Sandu highlight divisions: between urban and rural, between Western-leaning voters and the conservative population at home, between those who explain all problems by Russian influence and those who believe that maintaining diplomatic relations with the Kremlin could be beneficial for the country. Finally, between those who are disillusioned with the current government and those who still hope for changes, especially reforms.

So what is the role of the media in bridging these internal divides? Or do journalists exacerbate polarisation? Is exposing propaganda and cyber-attacks enough to stop the destabilisation of the country? And do the media hold the current pro-European government accountable for corruption and transparency? How much of this reporting is seen in European outlets?