site.btaMoldova’s Sustainable Development Depends on Reforms, Not Foreign Orientation, Says Moldovan Journalist

The upcoming parliamentary elections in Moldova are undoubtedly important but should not be considered a “geopolitical choice” in the dramatic sense often heard in public debates, Moldovan journalist Oleg Kosykh told BTA on Thursday. According to him, Moldova’s sustainable development can be achieved through reforms, not by aligning with one or another external power.

Moldova will hold parliamentary elections on September 28, the outcome of which will directly affect the country’s EU membership bid. Pro-European and pro-Russian forces are locked in a tight race.

“In Moldova, foreign policy is traditionally used as a convenient tool to mobilize voters, the pro-European or pro-Russian vector often becomes a central campaign slogan,” Kosykh said, noting that the real challenges are modernizing the economy, reforming the judiciary, improving infrastructure, and developing the education and healthcare systems. “Unfortunately, discussion of these practical issues often takes a back seat when the focus shifts to external civilizational choices,” the journalist added.

According to Kosykh, Moldovan voters primarily expect pragmatic solutions. “People want concrete answers to everyday problems, including economic stability, jobs, decent salaries and pensions. Fighting corruption, which remains a serious obstacle to development, is also a key concern,” he said.

Kosykh pointed out that citizens’ priorities often include better infrastructure and public services, a fair judicial system, protection of rights, lower energy costs, and improved management of energy resources. “Although foreign policy topics, EU or Eurasian Economic Union, continue to appear in the campaign, for many they are secondary. The main priority remains the feeling of a better life in Moldova itself and trust that elected parties can implement real reforms,” he said.

In Kosykh’s words, the conflict in Ukraine has had a tangible impact on daily life in Moldova. “At the start of the conflict, the country received a large number of refugees and faced strong pressure on social services. Energy and food prices rose sharply, affecting households and businesses. Regional uncertainty and rising energy tariffs also contributed to higher inflation,” Kosykh said.

The journalist noted that the greatest public concerns identified in surveys are the risk of involvement in the conflict, economic instability, inflation, high energy bills, falling incomes, energy dependence and supply interruptions.

“Despite the difficulties, Moldovan society has shown solidarity, both with refugees and in mutual assistance among citizens. However, the sense of vulnerability and the need for long-term energy and economic sustainability remain leading concerns today,” Kosykh concluded.

Kosykh graduated from St. Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia. He is the founder and Chair of the Bulgarian Spirit Foundation, established in 2018, which annually publishes an almanac of literary works by Bessarabian authors and supports projects preserving Bulgarian culture and links with Bulgaria in the local community.