CHISINAU: Moldovan Orthodox priests say they were offered money, free trips, and gifts by the Russian Orthodox Church in exchange for promoting anti-Western messages ahead of Moldova’s crucial parliamentary elections.
Father Mihai Bicu and dozens of other priests visited Russia last year on all-expenses-paid pilgrimages, where they received debit cards with funds after being told to set up social media channels warning against Moldova’s push toward the EU.
Since then, almost 90 new Telegram channels linked to Moldovan parishes have spread daily posts claiming EU integration threatens traditional values and religion. Analysts say the campaign is part of a wider Kremlin effort to sway the vote through disinformation, cyberattacks, and covert political support.
The Moldovan government has accused Russia of exploiting the country’s most trusted institution — the church — to influence voters. “Russia recruits and trains the priests to turn religion into a weapon,” said presidential adviser Stanislav Secrieru.
Church leaders deny any political motive, calling the trips simple pilgrimages and the online activity a local initiative. But Western diplomats warn that Russia is using “cash, content, and coercion” to pull Moldova away from Europe.
Elections this weekend are expected to be tight, with pro-EU President Maia Sandu’s party facing strong opposition backed by pro-Russian voices.