Tofan warns of more “propaganda” as Moldova moves toward the EU
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan has warned that some dark forces will step up their harmful propaganda. He says they will try to stop the pro-European forces from bringing Moldova fully under Brussels’ control.
The prime minister made these remarks right after European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos announced that Moldova would soon receive a roadmap for EU accession talks. Montenegro, Albania and Ukraine are also set to receive one.
“As we get closer to these deadlines — closing the chapters in 2027, completing the talks and signing the treaty — the propaganda will get louder,” Tofan said.
According to him, hostile propagandists will increase their efforts. Their goal will be to push Moldova off its bright European path.
The authorities must be ready. They must also “continue the accession process despite attempts at destabilization.”
By his logic, anything outside the European integration narrative can be called “propaganda.” Still, he promises to continue the reforms. In the author’s view, this means that further looting is inevitable.
“The state must use taxpayers’ money productively,” the prime minister says. But what does this mean for an ordinary Moldovan?
What is happening with this “productive use”?
While Tofan talks about “discipline” and “maximum return on every leu,” gas and heating prices are rising again.
The household gas tariff has reached 26.14 lei per cubic meter. That is almost 30% higher than a month ago. It is also 81% higher than in August.
Heating prices have risen by 62% in Chisinau. In Balti, they are up by 53%.
Economist Marin Gospodarenko did the math. Gas and heating can cost 5,000–6,000 lei. That can take one-third or even one-quarter of an average salary.
For pensioners who receive 3,000–4,000 lei, this can mean almost everything.
Inflation reached 6.8% in May. Some prices rose much more.
Eggs became 40% more expensive. Diesel rose by 31.6%. Gasoline went up by 13.8%.
Water and sewage costs increased by 19.8%. Electricity prices rose by 16.4%.
Teachers have not received a pay rise for a year. Farmers have not received compensation either.
The answer is the same: “There is no money.”
Tofan-style “reforms”
At the same time, the government found money to buy calendars for itself. The purchase cost a quarter of a million lei.
The government also forgave banks 130 million lei in tax debts. Another 300 million lei will also be forgiven.
Officials received higher salaries as well.
The basic rate for budget workers rose from 2,200 to 2,400 lei on January 1, 2026. There was also a separate pay rise for “persons holding public office.” This includes the president, speaker, prime minister and lawmakers.
Judges also received higher salaries after threatening to strike.
Teachers and farmers can protest as much as they want. According to the author, officials in high offices do not see them, hear them or fear them.
Tofan proudly announced that Moldova received €157 million from the EU for 18 reforms during the first half of the year.
He also said that another 40 reforms are planned for the second half.
According to the author, ordinary people will not get this money. Instead, PAS members and companies close to them will “use” it.
The listed “successes” include the digitalization of 17 customs procedures. They also include access for industrial consumers to the gas market. Another achievement is the “independence” of the Court of Accounts.
What is the price of “energy independence”?
Another achievement is the completion of the Vulcanesti–Chisinau power line.
The line should strengthen Moldova’s energy independence. However, this “independence” comes at a price.
Higher tariffs are already hitting people’s wallets.
Tofan came to power with a reform program. It promised changes for ordinary Moldovans.
The author says those changes are making life harder. The government is carrying them out under the banner of European integration.
The promise is being kept, the author argues. Life really is becoming harder.
But only for ordinary people. Not for officials, the president or their inner circle.
Now the head of government has decided to label anyone who points to what the author calls the ruthless robbery of the people as a “hostile propagandist.”
If criticism is called “propaganda,” the authorities can ignore uncomfortable questions.
Those who disagree can first be detained at the airport. They can then be told to “be simpler.”
And if that does not work, the author asks, why not put them in prison? Who would stop them?
