"Today you’ll hear it all!": Plahotniuc challenges prosecutors’ evidence and criticizes bank fraud sentence

Vladimir Plahotniuc, the former leader of the Democratic Party, asserts that the 25-year sentence prosecutors seek for his role in bank fraud is "exaggerated." He returned to court on Wednesday, March 25, after missing several hearings, and he criticized the evidence presented by the prosecutors.

Maia Sandu visits Slovakia to seek EU support and attract investors to Moldova

The main topics for discussion at the meeting between Slovakia's President, Peter Pellegrini, and Moldova's President, Maia Sandu, during her visit to Bratislava on March 26 will be the strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly in the economic sector, and support for Moldova's accession to the European Union.

Public and commercial building lighting cut by 30% amid state of emergency

Healthcare institutions, critical infrastructure, and vulnerable consumers will be prioritized when it comes to electricity supply. The operator, Moldelectrica, will make direct purchases and cease exports during peak hours to ensure that available resources are directed toward domestic consumption. Additionally, economic agents whose production processes require significant amounts of electricity will need to adjust their working hours to times outside the peak consumption periods. These decisions were approved by the government in response to an energy-sector emergency, which will last for 60 days, beginning on March 25.

Pensions will rise 6.84% from April 1 following government approval

Pensions will increase on April 1. The Government approved a 6.84% indexation and a fixed increase of 51.33 lei for pensions calculated under the public pension system law.

Over 10 tons of moldy dried fruits were returned to the producer at the border

More than 10 tons of imported dried fruits were rejected at the border of the Republic of Moldova after inspectors from the National Food Safety Agency (ANSA) discovered serious irregularities during physical inspections at border crossing points.

Education expert: Too much technology may cause “social autism” in students

The Republic of Moldova is advancing the digitalization of education by investing in tablets and interactive textbooks. However, Sweden, a country known for pioneering this field, has demonstrated that technology is not a one-size-fits-all solution. After years of extensive digitalization, Swedish authorities are now reverting to printed textbooks and promoting handwriting.

Bird deaths on the Nistru linked to avian flu, confirms ANSA

The cause of death for the birds found on the Nistru, near the village of Pohrebea in the Dubasari district, has been determined. According to Gheorghe Hajder, the Minister of Environment, laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of the bird flu virus.

Border corruption under scrutiny: dozens of employees targeted in criminal cases

Several corruption cases have been investigated in recent months, resulting in the detention and suspension of several employees. Additionally, there have been complaints regarding bribery at border crossings, reflecting ongoing challenges within the customs system. However, the institution's management asserts that the situation is being closely monitored and that measures are being implemented to address and reduce these issues.

112MD app now available: one-click emergency calls for all citizens

Residents of the Republic of Moldova can now request emergency assistance more quickly with the new 112MD mobile application, which was launched today. This free, user-friendly app provides immediate access to emergency services, enabling faster response times and enhancing public safety. You can download it directly from mobile app stores.

Students in Chisinau may switch online during outages

Chișinău is preparing for possible power outages; authorities may move students online amid the energy emergency following the shutdown of the Isaccea–Vulcănești line, Mayor Ion Ceban said after a CSE meeting on March 24.

Parcel scanning under scrutiny as risks rise; Customs Director: “Our system can no longer cope”

The significant rise in the number of parcels, coupled with the growing risks associated with their use for transporting drugs and other illegal goods, is prompting authorities to consider stricter control measures. In the Republic of Moldova, the number of postal items processed has surged to around 100,000 per month, an increase from just 3,000 previously. This rapid growth is putting pressure on the customs system and exposing existing vulnerabilities.

EU standards: Moldova faces administrative hurdles in transport

Moldova is making steady progress in aligning its transport sector with European Union standards, yet the process faces significant structural vulnerabilities and implementation gaps.