Emmanuel Macron in Paris on March 16, 2023. POOL / REUTERS
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his support on Friday for his Moldovan counterpart Maia Sandu in the face of “Russian destabilization attemptsin this former Soviet Republic and in thetensions they cause“, announced the Elysee. During a telephone interview, he also praised the “effortsof reform of Moldova, a candidate for entry into the European Union, in particular that of “justice to improve the fight against corruptionadded the French presidency.
Moldova, a neighbor of Ukraine, says it is faced with “a hybrid warled by Moscow toto spill» the pro-European executive in power in Chisinau. “Recalling the importance of continuing to reform the country“, Emmanuel Macron offered to make available to Chisinau “experts, especially in cyber and economics“. He also said he was ready toprovide all necessary assistance to Moldova for the organization and implementation of the summitof the European Political Community scheduled for June 1 in this country. This community, created in the wake of the war in Ukraine, brings together 44 countries from the European continent, 17 of which are not members of the European Union.
Arrest of a “destabilizing” network
On March 12, the police announced the arrest of members of a network they suspect of being orchestrated by Moscow. The alleged troublemakers are accused of having wanted to destabilize the country by intervening during the anti-government demonstrations which regularly shake the Moldovan capital.
The White House also accused Moscow of “seek to weaken the government of Moldova“, with the aim of installing a government won over to its cause. Russia last month denied any coup plans, denouncing claims “absolutely unfounded and without evidence“.