Igor Grosu, in Bucharest: "Moscow will not give up its influence in the region"
Moscow will not give up its influence in the region, with disinformation and propaganda remaining the Kremlin’s main weapons. The statement was made by PAS leader and Speaker of the Moldovan Parliament, Igor Grosu, during his visit to Bucharest on Wednesday. In a Digi24 interview, Grosu said that after the election victory, the new pro-European majority in Chișinău must speed up reforms and stressed the need for close cooperation with Romania and the EU to counter Russia’s threats.
PAS leader Igor Grosu drew attention to the hybrid war and influence tactics used by Russia. “We are unfortunate to be in a region where Russia has always interfered. We must remain vigilant and not assume that once the Kremlin loses elections, it will give up; they will likely regroup and adjust strategies and tactics. That’s why vigilance is crucial,” he said.
Amid intensifying Russian drone attacks on neighboring countries, Grosu stressed the need for investment in defense, including monitoring and counterattack systems. “Without joint action from European countries, it will be complicated. We know from experience how they act and think. Cooperation is necessary,” he told Digi24.
He also mentioned productive discussions in Bucharest on cross-border projects, underlining the importance of attracting Romanian investment back to Moldova. “We must bring back Moldovan companies that crossed the Prut after 2022, often for security reasons. We want political stability both in Bucharest and Chișinău,” Grosu said.
Commitment to reforms
On domestic reforms, Grosu reaffirmed his strong commitment to continue them, especially in justice. “We had to implement external evaluations of judges. These will continue, because everything depends on cleaning up the justice system. A functional system that applies the law discourages manipulation, corruption, and ensures predictability for investors,” he stated.
With a parliamentary majority, a pro-European government and president, and strong support from European partners, Grosu expressed confidence in Moldova’s EU integration: “We will move quickly toward our target: 2028.”
Visit to Bucharest
On Wednesday, Igor Grosu visited Bucharest, where he met Romanian Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan at Victoria Palace. Grosu thanked Romania for its unconditional support.
According to a Romanian government press release, the two discussed Moldova’s political situation after the recent parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Bolojan congratulated Grosu on the election results and the support for Moldova’s European path. They also discussed continuing and expanding connectivity and cross-border cooperation projects, strengthening bilateral economic ties, and Romania’s firm support for Moldova’s EU integration and accession.
