The Republic of Moldova blocked 17 foreign politicians and activists from coming into the country in order to visit the “Make Europe Great Again” (MEGA) forum in Chișinău, sparking political controversy in America and Europe.
Czech MEP Ondrej Dostál was detained at Chișinău International Airport on July 27, declared persona non grata, and expelled from Moldova. His diplomatic passport was confiscated and only returned upon arrival in Bucharest. Dostál denounced the measure, stating: “If this is the demonstration of democracy in a country that aspires to join the European Union, then Europe should seriously question Moldova’s integration path.”
US activist Brian Brown, an ally of Donald Trump and friend of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was also initially denied entry. He was later allowed to enter the country after the US Embassy intervened. Brown questioned Moldova’s backing of European integration and democratic values.
Greek politician Dimos Thanasoulas from the NIKI party was one of the rejected candidates. The NIKI party released a statement accusing Moldovan President Maia Sandu of being “on the losing side of history.”
Romanian MP Valeriu Munteanu vehemently criticised the Chișinău government, stating that it was attempting to dictate the electoral agenda by muzzling critical voices. He dubbed the action as being incompatible with the EU values Moldova professes to adhere to.
The organisers of the MEGA conference have appealed to the European Parliament, European Commission, and embassies of member states to intervene, calling the action a “political act of censorship and humiliation” against politically elected representatives. They warned that Moldova’s action in defiance of diplomatic conventions is bound to sully its image as a potential member of the European Union.
Let us recall that on 28 September, parliamentary elections will be held in Moldova. According to INFOTAG, the results of the poll ‘Socio-political Barometer – June 2025,’ published by IMAS, indicate that the ruling PAS party, led by Sandu, will not be able to form a majority government.
