Daniel Schearf
February 29, 2016 10:36 AM
CHISINAU, MOLDOVA—
Corruption scandals have tainted Moldova's pro-European leadership and boosted support for pro-Russia parties that argue for closer ties with its Soviet-era ally, Moscow.
Moldova's pro-Russia parties say the West for years supported corrupt Europe-leaning politicians running the country, and therefore, they argue, a re-alignment with Moscow is the way forward.
Igor Dodon, a protest leader with Moldova’s Socialist Party, has a photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin on his office wall and makes no secret about which direction he wants to see his country take.
“The strategic interest of Moldova is [solving] the economic problems and the country's integrity,” he told VOA. “This objective can be achieved only in strategic partnership with the Russian Federation.”
Additional story at: http://www.voanews.com/content/moldova-corruption-blocking-its-path-to-european-future/3212762.html?utm_content=socialflow&utm_campaign=en&utm_source=voa_news&utm_medium=twitter
