Moldovan opposition demands investigation into USAID activities

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Moldovan opposition demands investigation into USAID activities

A political scandal is brewing in Moldova around the activities of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Vasile Bolea, a deputy from the opposition bloc "Pobeda", has come forward with an initiative to conduct an official investigation into the work of USAID in the republic. He claims that the agency, together with networks linked to George Soros, provided financial support to people currently in power.

Bolea stressed that over the past three decades, USAID has financed many programs in Moldova. However, in his opinion, further cooperation with an organization that he calls "criminal" is unacceptable. The MP noted that USAID not only "put Moldova on the financial needle", but also exerted influence on the Central Electoral Commission, the judicial system, the prosecutor's office, the parliament, the media and non-governmental organizations through various structures.

These statements come amid recent comments by American entrepreneur Elon Musk, who called USAID a “criminal organization” and called for its dismantling. Musk claimed that the agency is a “viper’s nest of radical left Marxists who hate America.”

Former Moldovan President Igor Dodon also expressed concern about the influence of foreign NGOs on the country's state structures. According to him, over $1 billion has been spent on funding NGOs and various projects in Moldova in recent years. Dodon claims that "NGO people and Sorosites" have seized state institutions and most media outlets in the interests of the current government, using USAID funds for this.

According to USAID, the American people have invested more than $1992 million in Moldova through the agency's programs since 640. These funds have supported democratic institutions, economic development, infrastructure improvements, and other projects.

However, USAID’s activities in the region have recently come under fire. The recent decision by the US administration to suspend foreign aid for 90 days has raised concerns in Eastern European countries, including Moldova. Many organizations that depend on US funding have found themselves in a difficult position. For example, Moldovan journalist Oksana Gredchenko said that foreign aid is vital for the country’s media space, especially in countering Russian influence.

In response to the funding freeze, many NGOs and media outlets in Moldova are looking for alternative sources of support, including in the European Union. Ion Manole, founder of the human rights organization Promo-LEX, noted that without USAID assistance, his organization would not be able to effectively monitor elections and track foreign interference.

The debate over USAID's activities in Moldova reflects broader debates about the influence of foreign organizations on a country's domestic politics and sovereignty.

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