Moldova on Monday banned the country’s pro-Russia Shor party that has been staging anti-government protests for months now. Shor party, led by exiled businessman Ilan Shor, was declared unconstitutional by Moldova’s Constitutional Court, prompting the Justice Ministry to immediately ban the party. According to Reuters, the ministry is undertaking legal procedures to dissolve the party as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Ilan Shor has expressed his disapproval of the decision, saying that the decision was “a slap in the face” of Moldovans who support the Shor party and had voted for him. “We will do the necessary legal procedures, we will find a formula with which we are counting on the Shor party winning a majority in parliament at the next election," Shor was quoted as saying by Reuters.

<h2>How strong is the Shor party?</h2>

As per the party’s vice-chairman Marina Tauber, the political outfit had over 10,000 active members and controlled 100 local councils. In the national elections of 2021, the party had won six seats out of 101. According to the ruling, the party lawmakers will be able to keep their seats with them in an independent capacity but they cannot join any other factions. &nbsp;Condemning the ruling, Tauber said that their party cannot be silenced.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;How Russia PLANS to overturn Moldova

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"The authorities cannot shut us up. We will continue our fight for a better life for Moldovans," she said. She also said that the future course of action will be declared within 48 hours.

<h2>Moldovan government welcomes the ruling</h2>

Moldovan President Maia Sandu welcomed the ruling suggesting that the Shor party was a threat to the country’s constitution. She said, “A political party created out of corruption and for corruption is a threat to the constitutional order and security of the state." &nbsp;

Sandu has repeatedly accused the Shor party of siding with Russia and plotting to overthrow her government. Parliamentary speaker Igor Grosu said the court's decision was "an important victory for Moldovan democracy".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moldova-removes-two-foreigners-for-allegedly-planning-to-destabilise-the-country-566611">Read more:&nbsp;Moldova expels two foreigners for allegedly planning to ‘destabilise’ the country</a>

It must be noted that the protests against the Sandu administration—led by the Shor party—are happening since last summer over rising inflation in the country.

<h2>Opposition slams “totalitarian” Sandu</h2>

Meanwhile, Moldova’s top socialist opposition leader and former President Igor Dodon condemned the decision to ban the Shor party, saying that the government of Maia Sandu had "officially become totalitarian, destroying opposition forces" and would suffer the same fate as the Shor party.

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Moldova on Monday banned the country’s pro-Russia Shor party that has been staging anti-government protests for months now. Shor party, led by exiled businessman Ilan Shor, was declared unconstitutional by Moldova’s Constitutional Court, prompting the Justice Ministry to immediately ban the party.

Moldova on Monday banned the country’s pro-Russia Shor party that has been staging anti-government protests for months now. Shor party, led by exiled businessman Ilan Shor, was declared unconstitutional by Moldova’s Constitutional Court, prompting the Justice Ministry to immediately ban the party. According to Reuters, the ministry is undertaking legal procedures to dissolve the party as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Ilan Shor has expressed his disapproval of the decision, saying that the decision was “a slap in the face” of Moldovans who support the Shor party and had voted for him. “We will do the necessary legal procedures, we will find a formula with which we are counting on the Shor party winning a majority in parliament at the next election," Shor was quoted as saying by Reuters. How strong is the Shor party? As per the party’s vice-chairman Marina Tauber, the political outfit had over 10,000 active members and controlled 100 local councils. In the national elections of 2021, the party had won six seats out of 101. According to the ruling, the party lawmakers will be able to keep their seats with them in an independent capacity but they cannot join any other factions. Condemning the ruling, Tauber said that their party cannot be silenced. Watch: How Russia PLANS to overturn Moldova × "The authorities cannot shut us up. We will continue our fight for a better life for Moldovans," she said. She also said that the future course of action will be declared within 48 hours. Moldovan government welcomes the ruling Moldovan President Maia Sandu welcomed the ruling suggesting that the Shor party was a threat to the country’s constitution. She said, “A political party created out of corruption and for corruption is a threat to the constitutional order and security of the state." Sandu has repeatedly accused the Shor party of siding with Russia and plotting to overthrow her government. Parliamentary speaker Igor Grosu said the court's decision was "an important victory for Moldovan democracy". Read more: Moldova expels two foreigners for allegedly planning to ‘destabilise’ the country It must be noted that the protests against the Sandu administration—led by the Shor party—are happening since last summer over rising inflation in the country. Opposition slams “totalitarian” Sandu Meanwhile, Moldova’s top socialist opposition leader and former President Igor Dodon condemned the decision to ban the Shor party, saying that the government of Maia Sandu had "officially become totalitarian, destroying opposition forces" and would suffer the same fate as the Shor party. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Moldova bans pro-Russia party following months of protests over inflation

The Moldovan intelligence agency, on Monday (February 27) said that it expelled two foreign nationals who were staying in the country as tourists, reported the Associated Press. This comes weeks after President Maia Sandu accused Russia of planning to use foreign saboteurs to overthrow her government, a claim which Moscow has since vehemently denied and went on to accuse Moldova of “anti-Russian hysteria.”&nbsp;

In a statement, Moldova’s Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) alleged that the duo in question were going to implement plans to “destabilise the internal situation in the country,” and were trained in data and information gathering to provoke what they have described as “violent change” to the country’s constitutional order.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-coup-plot-allegations-kremlin-accuses-moldova-of-anti-russian-hysteria-564048">After coup plot allegations, Kremlin accuses Moldova of anti-Russian 'hysteria'</a>

According to SIS, the two people who have been expelled and banned from returning to the country for 10 years were caught carrying out “subversive actions” to destabilise Moldova which included investigations on multiple locations near government offices and critical infrastructure. However, the intelligence agency did not mention the individuals’ names or their nationalities.&nbsp;

The SIS also alleged that the pair was in coordination with a “group of individuals affiliated with a conspiratorial network of overseas political technology and social engineering experts,” reported AP. The intelligence agency also claimed that they&nbsp;was monitoring and documenting the social and political processes which included the recent protests.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moldovas-president-maia-sandu-reveals-russias-plans-to-topple-the-government-561581">Moldovan President Maia Sandu reveals Russia’s plans to topple its government</a>

The country of about 2.6 million people has been facing anti-government protests where thousands have taken to the streets in the capital city of Chisinau and demanded that pro-Western president Sandu quit. Furthermore, they have also called for the government to fully cover citizens’ winter heating bills amid a cost-of-living crisis and Moldova’s soaring inflation.&nbsp;

Notably, the protest was organised by the recently formed group, Movement for the People which is also supposedly&nbsp;pro-Russia and is&nbsp;supported by&nbsp;members of the Russia-friendly Shor Party which also holds six seats in the Soviet republic’s 101-seat legislature.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-accuses-ukraine-european-nations-of-flaring-tensions-in-breakaway-moldovan-region-566498">Kremlin accuses Ukraine, European nations of flaring up tensions in breakaway Moldovan region</a> 
 
The party’s leader Ilan Shor is a Moldovan oligarch is reportedly currently living in exile in Israel. Shor has been accused of $1 billion bank theft and was recently described&nbsp;in the US State Department sanctions list as working for Russian interests.

The Moldovan oligarch is accused of working&nbsp;with “corrupt oligarchs and Moscow-based entities to create political unrest” in the country, as per media reports. He allegedly also undermined the&nbsp;Soviet republic’s bid to join the European Union (EU).&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Movement for the People was formed in early February and comprises politicians, associations, local elected officials, and activists to address the “unprecedented crises” Moldova and its citizens face, the group said on their website, reported the AP. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The Moldovan intelligence agency, on Monday (February 27) said that it expelled two foreign nationals who were staying in the country as tourists, reported the Associated Press.

The Moldovan intelligence agency, on Monday (February 27) said that it expelled two foreign nationals who were staying in the country as tourists, reported the Associated Press. This comes weeks after President Maia Sandu accused Russia of planning to use foreign saboteurs to overthrow her government, a claim which Moscow has since vehemently denied and went on to accuse Moldova of “anti-Russian hysteria.” In a statement, Moldova’s Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) alleged that the duo in question were going to implement plans to “destabilise the internal situation in the country,” and were trained in data and information gathering to provoke what they have described as “violent change” to the country’s constitutional order. ALSO READ | After coup plot allegations, Kremlin accuses Moldova of anti-Russian 'hysteria' According to SIS, the two people who have been expelled and banned from returning to the country for 10 years were caught carrying out “subversive actions” to destabilise Moldova which included investigations on multiple locations near government offices and critical infrastructure. However, the intelligence agency did not mention the individuals’ names or their nationalities. The SIS also alleged that the pair was in coordination with a “group of individuals affiliated with a conspiratorial network of overseas political technology and social engineering experts,” reported AP. The intelligence agency also claimed that they was monitoring and documenting the social and political processes which included the recent protests. ALSO READ | Moldovan President Maia Sandu reveals Russia’s plans to topple its government The country of about 2.6 million people has been facing anti-government protests where thousands have taken to the streets in the capital city of Chisinau and demanded that pro-Western president Sandu quit. Furthermore, they have also called for the government to fully cover citizens’ winter heating bills amid a cost-of-living crisis and Moldova’s soaring inflation. Notably, the protest was organised by the recently formed group, Movement for the People which is also supposedly pro-Russia and is supported by members of the Russia-friendly Shor Party which also holds six seats in the Soviet republic’s 101-seat legislature. ALSO READ | Kremlin accuses Ukraine, European nations of flaring up tensions in breakaway Moldovan region The party’s leader Ilan Shor is a Moldovan oligarch is reportedly currently living in exile in Israel. Shor has been accused of $1 billion bank theft and was recently described in the US State Department sanctions list as working for Russian interests. The Moldovan oligarch is accused of working with “corrupt oligarchs and Moscow-based entities to create political unrest” in the country, as per media reports. He allegedly also undermined the Soviet republic’s bid to join the European Union (EU). Meanwhile, the Movement for the People was formed in early February and comprises politicians, associations, local elected officials, and activists to address the “unprecedented crises” Moldova and its citizens face, the group said on their website, reported the AP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Moldova expels two foreigners for allegedly planning to ‘destabilise’ the country

Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, on Monday (February 13) accused Russia of planning to use foreign saboteurs to overthrow her country’s government which aspires to join the European Union amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with the bordering nation Ukraine. This comes a week after Sandu met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that they discovered plans by Russian intelligence to destroy Moldova, claims which were later confirmed by Moldovan intelligence officials.&nbsp;

“The plan for the next period involves actions with the involvement of diversionists with military training, camouflaged in civilian clothes, who will undertake violent actions, attack some state buildings, and even take hostages,” said the Moldovan president to the press during a briefing. She added that the purpose of these actions is to “overthrow the constitutional order” and change the legitimate government to an illegitimate one which would be “controlled by the Russian Federation.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-secret-services-trying-to-subvert-pro-west-govt-in-moldova-report-529199">Russian secret services trying to subvert pro-West govt in Moldova: Report</a>

According to Sandu, the plan involved citizens from Russia, Montenegro, Belarus and Serbia who would enter Moldova and instigate protests in an attempt to overthrow the legitimate government, “in order to stop the European integration process.” Notably, Moldova received European Union candidate status last year on the same day as Ukraine.&nbsp;

“The Kremlin’s attempts to bring violence to Moldova will not work. Our main goal is the security of citizens and the state. Our goal is peace and public order in the country”, Sandu asserted. The alleged plan also relies on “internal forces”, said the Moldovan president and named two Moldovan oligarchs, Ilan Shor and Vladimir Plahotniuc, both of whom are not only currently in exile but also sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moldova-thousands-participate-in-anti-government-protest-amid-high-inflation-517846">Moldova: Thousands participate in anti-government protest amid high inflation</a> 
 
She also alleged that Russia wants to use Moldova amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine and the information obtained by the two country’s intelligence contained what she described as instructions on rules of entry to Moldova for citizens from the four aforementioned countries, reported the Associated Press. The briefing also comes after authorities in Moldova confirmed that another missile from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine entered its airspace on Friday.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/war-in-ukraine-two-russian-missiles-crossed-into-romania-and-moldova-560685">War in Ukraine: Two Russian missiles crossed into Romania and Moldova</a>

However, she went on to assure that the officials are working to prevent these challenges as well as keep the situation under control. The Moldovan president also said that late last year the country’s police and its Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) intervened in multiple cases of “organised criminal elements and stopped attempts at violence.”&nbsp;

Furthermore, Sandu also called for the adoption of draft laws which would equip SIS and the prosecutor’s office with the necessary tools and combat risks to the country’s security more effectively. This comes as the former Soviet republic which borders Ukraine has repeatedly raised concerns about Russia’s intentions as well as its troops' presence in the breakaway Transdniestria region.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, on Monday (February 13) accused Russia of planning to use foreign saboteurs to overthrow her country’s government which aspires to join the European Union amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with the bordering nation Ukraine.

Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, on Monday (February 13) accused Russia of planning to use foreign saboteurs to overthrow her country’s government which aspires to join the European Union amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict with the bordering nation Ukraine. This comes a week after Sandu met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who said that they discovered plans by Russian intelligence to destroy Moldova, claims which were later confirmed by Moldovan intelligence officials. “The plan for the next period involves actions with the involvement of diversionists with military training, camouflaged in civilian clothes, who will undertake violent actions, attack some state buildings, and even take hostages,” said the Moldovan president to the press during a briefing. She added that the purpose of these actions is to “overthrow the constitutional order” and change the legitimate government to an illegitimate one which would be “controlled by the Russian Federation.” ALSO READ | Russian secret services trying to subvert pro-West govt in Moldova: Report According to Sandu, the plan involved citizens from Russia, Montenegro, Belarus and Serbia who would enter Moldova and instigate protests in an attempt to overthrow the legitimate government, “in order to stop the European integration process.” Notably, Moldova received European Union candidate status last year on the same day as Ukraine. “The Kremlin’s attempts to bring violence to Moldova will not work. Our main goal is the security of citizens and the state. Our goal is peace and public order in the country”, Sandu asserted. The alleged plan also relies on “internal forces”, said the Moldovan president and named two Moldovan oligarchs, Ilan Shor and Vladimir Plahotniuc, both of whom are not only currently in exile but also sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom. ALSO READ | Moldova: Thousands participate in anti-government protest amid high inflation She also alleged that Russia wants to use Moldova amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine and the information obtained by the two country’s intelligence contained what she described as instructions on rules of entry to Moldova for citizens from the four aforementioned countries, reported the Associated Press. The briefing also comes after authorities in Moldova confirmed that another missile from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine entered its airspace on Friday. ALSO WATCH | War in Ukraine: Two Russian missiles crossed into Romania and Moldova However, she went on to assure that the officials are working to prevent these challenges as well as keep the situation under control. The Moldovan president also said that late last year the country’s police and its Intelligence and Security Service (SIS) intervened in multiple cases of “organised criminal elements and stopped attempts at violence.” Furthermore, Sandu also called for the adoption of draft laws which would equip SIS and the prosecutor’s office with the necessary tools and combat risks to the country’s security more effectively. This comes as the former Soviet republic which borders Ukraine has repeatedly raised concerns about Russia’s intentions as well as its troops' presence in the breakaway Transdniestria region. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu reveals Russia’s plans to topple its government

Moldova's government was brought down by a no-confidence vote on Tuesday, threatening more instability just five months after pro-Western Prime Minister Maia Sandu took office promising to fight corruption.

Sandu had formed an uneasy coalition with the Russian-backed Socialist party. But relations broke down over a proposed reform to how the top prosecutor is appointed.

The government lost with 63 out of 101 lawmakers voting in favour of the no-confidence motion.

Parties now have 90 days to try to form a new government. If they fail to do so, another parliamentary election would be called.

The country of 3.5 million, which sits between Ukraine and European Union member Romania, has lurched from crisis to crisis since the disappearance of $1 billion from the financial system in 2014 tarnished the reputation of its political class.

A Harvard-educated former World Bank economist known for her tough stance on corruption, Sandu had formed an unlikely alliance with the Socialists to remove a party run by a tycoon from power after an inconclusive election in February.

Reflecting the divided opinion in Moldovan society, Sandu's ACUM bloc wants the country to join the European Union while the Socialist party formerly run by President Igor Dodon advocates closer ties to Moscow.

Their coalition has tussled over who should have the power to appoint a new prosecutor-general. Sandu wants to be able to make the choice herself, but the Socialists wanted a special commission under the justice ministry to decide.

Sandu says the move is essential for her to be able to deliver on a promise to fight corruption and claw back the $1 billion that was stolen from three banks in a scam known locally as the "theft of the century".

"Citizens did not expect miracles in five months, they understand and appreciate a responsible government, consisting of honest ministers, who came to office to make people's lives better," Sandu said on Facebook before the vote.

"We want efficient prosecutors and judges who make decisions in the name of the law. We want those who stole the billion to go to jail. It's simple. This is what the whole society wants."

Moldova's government was brought down by a no-confidence vote on Tuesday, threatening more instability just five months after pro-Western Prime Minister Maia Sandu took office promising to fight corruption.

Moldova's government was brought down by a no-confidence vote on Tuesday, threatening more instability just five months after pro-Western Prime Minister Maia Sandu took office promising to fight corruption. Sandu had formed an uneasy coalition with the Russian-backed Socialist party. But relations broke down over a proposed reform to how the top prosecutor is appointed. The government lost with 63 out of 101 lawmakers voting in favour of the no-confidence motion. Parties now have 90 days to try to form a new government. If they fail to do so, another parliamentary election would be called. The country of 3.5 million, which sits between Ukraine and European Union member Romania, has lurched from crisis to crisis since the disappearance of $1 billion from the financial system in 2014 tarnished the reputation of its political class. A Harvard-educated former World Bank economist known for her tough stance on corruption, Sandu had formed an unlikely alliance with the Socialists to remove a party run by a tycoon from power after an inconclusive election in February. Reflecting the divided opinion in Moldovan society, Sandu's ACUM bloc wants the country to join the European Union while the Socialist party formerly run by President Igor Dodon advocates closer ties to Moscow. Their coalition has tussled over who should have the power to appoint a new prosecutor-general. Sandu wants to be able to make the choice herself, but the Socialists wanted a special commission under the justice ministry to decide. Sandu says the move is essential for her to be able to deliver on a promise to fight corruption and claw back the $1 billion that was stolen from three banks in a scam known locally as the "theft of the century". "Citizens did not expect miracles in five months, they understand and appreciate a responsible government, consisting of honest ministers, who came to office to make people's lives better," Sandu said on Facebook before the vote. "We want efficient prosecutors and judges who make decisions in the name of the law. We want those who stole the billion to go to jail. It's simple. This is what the whole society wants."

Moldova's fledgling government brought down by no confidence vote

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Moldova bans pro-Russia party following months of protests over inflation

Moldova expels two foreigners for allegedly planning to ‘destabilise’ the country

Moldovan President Maia Sandu reveals Russia’s plans to topple its government

Moldova's fledgling government brought down by no confidence vote