Moldova moves to close Russian Center in Chișinău
Moldova is moving to close the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Chișinău, a body officially denounced as "an instrument of Kremlin propaganda."
The Parliament's Foreign Policy Committee endorsed a Ministry of Culture report recommending the denunciation of the Russia cultural agreement, which provides the center's legal basis.
The committee's decision was not unanimous. Socialist leader Igor Dodon cast the sole vote against, while former Prime Minister Ion Chicu abstained.
During the committee meeting on November 12, Minister of Culture Cristian Jardan reiterated the Government's conclusion: the center, popularly known as "Ruskii Dom," never functioned as a genuine cultural hub. Instead, it is funded by the Russian agency Rossotrudnichestvo. This agency is currently under international sanctions and is widely regarded as the primary state agency for promoting Kremlin influence and hybrid warfare.
According to Jardan, allowing the agreement to stand "poses a risk to Moldova's informational security" as it can be "utilized as a tool by the Russian Federation to promote distorted narratives."
The Minister also noted that the Republic of Moldova is not acting in isolation. Ukraine and Azerbaijan have already proceeded with the denunciation of similar agreements, and a "Ruskii Dom" never operated in Georgia.
Mihail Druță, an MP from the Action and Solidarity Party, supported the move, stating the center "never dealt with culture, but with propaganda and informational warfare."
Igor Dodon, President of the Socialists' faction, contested the authorities' claims that the center facilitated activities aimed at undermining Moldova's sovereignty.
"You have not presented evidence," Dodon declared. "If there is secret information, let us convene a closed meeting where representatives of the Security and Intelligence Service (SIS) can present the data to us. If confirmed, I am sure that other deputies will also vote for it." He added that his faction would not support the bill.
Ion Chicu, an MP from the "Alternativa" Faction, criticized the process, pointing out that no opinion was sought from organizations representing the interests of ethnic Russian Moldovan citizens.
Minister Jardan clarified that such a consultation is not legally required. He assured the parliamentarian that access to cultural activities in the Russian language would, in no way, be restricted or limited.
"We have two very good, state-supported theaters in Chișinău – the Russian Dramatic Theater 'Anton Chekhov' and the Teatrul s Uliti Roz (Street of Roses Theater) – both offering a varied repertoire," the minister highlighted.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
