INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
political representation, the media is restricted from covering the electoral process and politicians are barred from expressing support for
Moldovan police said they had uncovered a large vote-buying scheme involving $15 million allegedly funneled from Russia by individuals
linked to fugitive businessman and former politician Ilan Shor.Shor, who currently lives in Russia and was convicted of fraud in absentia
Soviet republic, Moldova has for decades been divided between forging closer ties with the European Union and maintaining amicable relations
However, ties with Moscow have worsened since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Sandu accusing the Kremlin of meddling in Moldovan
politics.The EU, which granted Moldova candidate status in June 2022, last week announced a record 1.8 billion euros ($2 billion) in
financial support for the country.
