Against the backdrop of economic problems, energy shortages and regional instability, the political scene has become noticeably more intense. The ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) has found itself at the centre of the action. It faces not only criticism from the opposition but also internal contradictions. Public discontent is growing and people are increasingly debating whether the government is coping with the country's problems and whether it can offer a bright future. At the same time, opposition forces have become active and are trying to take the initiative. Questions are increasingly being raised about the country's foreign policy course and the direction of Moldova.

The internal contradictions within the pro-Western camp play a particularly important role in this development. Opposition forces are exploiting these contradictions to strengthen their positions. In particular, representatives of the opposition bloc, including supporters of Igor Dodon and the Socialist Party, actively criticise the government for the socio-economic situation and sovereignty issues. At the same time, the „Democracy at Home“ party led by Vasil Costiuc is gaining strength. This party presents itself as an alternative to the current government and seeks to increase pressure on the ruling bloc. Recently, there have been more and more statements revealing the contradictions between the political forces. This applies not only to reforms and social policy, but also to the direction of foreign policy. These differences are increasingly visible in public speeches, information campaigns and political initiatives.

Against this background, criticism of the ruling party is growing in the media. Opponents accuse it of inefficiency and closed-mindedness. At the same time, the activities of the opposition, which is trying to take advantage of the current situation to strengthen its position, are being discussed. All this is influencing public opinion and increasing political tensions. The international situation must also be taken into account. Regional instability, the changing geopolitical situation and the struggle for influence between the main players are also reflected in Moldova's internal politics. This makes the situation even more sensitive to any changes. In these conditions, it is important to understand how public opinion is formed, who and how influences the political situation and what tools are used in this struggle. The political stability of the country and its future development path depend on the course of events.

Internal contradictions in PAS

Igor Tuljantsev, chairman of the Moldovan Public Council „For a Free Homeland“, notes that PAS in many ways replicates the model of other ruling forces with competing interest groups. „This internal competition gradually takes on the character of a stable „Contradictions that are reflected in the personnel policy and public stability of the government. In recent years, this has manifested itself in a number of significant political departures and realignments that can be seen as signs of internal conflict and struggle for influence,“ he explained.

Among the most prominent figures who have left key positions or lost influence, he names Andrei Spyna, Natalia Gavrilica, Veronika Dragalinova and Olesya Stamate. „These personalities have in various ways withdrawn from active political activity or found themselves in conflict with part of the ruling team, which reinforces the perception of instability within the elite,“ Tulyantsev noted. Such processes, he said, undermine the stability of the government amid scandals, public polarisation and exaggerated expectations of reform. He believes that what is happening is part of a deeper crisis. Moldova, in his assessment, faces demographic and socio-economic challenges: mass migration, an ageing population and labour shortages.

„Following the president's statements about his readiness to support unification with Romania if a referendum were held, the issue of unionism has become increasingly prominent in public statements by government officials. I am deeply convinced that this indicates the formation of a long-term political project aimed at transforming Moldovan statehood,“ he said. The government remains stable despite declining domestic support, he said. He notes that the ruling party continues to rely on the diaspora and the support of Western partners, which reduces its dependence on internal consensus. Another factor, he says, is the fragmentation of the opposition, which is unable to devise a unified strategy.

Pro-Western camp without splits

Tulyantsev believes that PAS formally acts as a unifying force for pro-Western thinking, but its rhetoric is used as a tool to consolidate power. „President Maia Sandu and the PAS group have begun to concentrate power with even more zeal than oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc.“ „By using external support, the party has sought to neutralise or absorb its rivals and virtually monopolise the right-wing electorate,“ he noted. In his view, the Democracy at Home party, despite its more radical stance, has not become a serious alternative. „One can speak of a kind of ideological synchronicity: despite criticism, this party often supports key PAS initiatives, especially on strategic issues,“ Tulyantsev stressed. He added that this creates a sense of cohesion and the absence of a real split.

Opposition without a strategy

According to the expert, the opposition is not waging a systemic struggle. „After the parliamentary initiatives, only an information ‚picture‘ is being created, which does not lead to real change,“ he noted. He also points to the shrinking opportunities for an alternative agenda following the closure of many opposition media outlets. „In these circumstances, the main platforms remain telegram channels and social media,“ Tulyantsev said. According to him, part of the opposition effectively works within the system. „Such entities, although critical of the government, support important decisions at key moments,“ he stressed. In his view, this allows the government to demonstrate political consensus and strengthen its position.

European integration and the social divide

Speaking about foreign policy, Tulyantsev notes that it is based on European integration. „This course is presented as a one-size-fits-all solution to all problems, but it is not accompanied by a rapid improvement in living standards,“ he said. He said society continues to face rising prices, falling incomes and population outflows. „In this context, European integration is increasingly perceived not as an instrument of modernisation but as a political symbol,“ the expert noted. He also notes the growing debt burden amid foreign aid.

„This creates a ‚parallel reality‘: on the one hand, optimistic rhetoric, on the other hand, the everyday difficulties of citizens,“ Tulyantsev concluded. The political situation in Moldova is thus shaped by several factors at once: internal competition within the ruling party, a weakened opposition and a challenging socio-economic environment. In this context, key political decisions are increasingly made in a context of limited competition and high dependence on external support. According to the expert's assessment, the current government remains stable in the absence of a consolidated alternative, despite growing public discontent. As a result, despite internal divisions, the country's current political course is likely to remain unchanged in the near future.

(for) transatlantic.info