David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 25/09/202616 drone crashes with explosions or fires in Moldova in August and September alone. One hit just outside Chișinău. Also - Prime Minister Tofan calls for a 60-day energy emergency as Moldova faces a “perfect storm.” This week's Moldova Matters: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 011
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 23/09/2026The NYT's Moldova photo essay called an elected official "a teacher," styled a fashion designer and a film student to look like Soviet factory workers, and opened with "gray" to describe the sunniest month Chisinau had all year. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 24818
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 09/09/2026Russian drones just struck a Moldova-Ukraine border crossing. 2 dead, more injured - including a Moldovan bus driver. Hours earlier, a missile drone flew over Moldova into Romania and back before crashing. www.moldovamatters.md/p/deadly-dro... 014
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 22/08/2026A major increase of Russian drone incursions, Mayor Ceban injured himself somewhere and somehow but isn’t sharing more - and Gagauzia will finally elect a new Bashkan. All this and more in the Weekly Roundup. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 102
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 21/08/2026For 20 years, people have said the Cobasna ammunition depot in Transnistria could explode with the force of the Hiroshima bomb. Today, Moldova's government released a new report challenging that claim directly. I spent weeks checking it myself. Thread 🧵 100
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 14/08/2026A Russian jet-powered "missile-drone" just crashed on Moldovan soil for the first time. Also in the roundup: a fugitive Polish ex-minister possibly hiding in Transnistria, falling Dniester water levels and a military parade for Independence Day . open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 012
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 13/08/2026A Moldovan state news agency ran 10 uncritical "reports" on China this summer - funded by a Chinese Foreign Ministry-linked group, undisclosed to readers. One of them found a "lesson for the whole world" in one of Tibet's most heavily policed regions. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 011
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 07/08/2026As Romania struggles to keep their nuclear power plants running - even sinking vessels to divert the Danube, Moldova worries about a water shortage in Chisinau. ...and the Taliban are in Chisinau?! All this and more in the Weekly Roundup. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 011
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 06/08/2026A month ago, Moldova's government program was 15 pages of bullet points. Today, PM Tofan's is 147 pages - with quantifiable targets and delivery dates for every ministry. Same ministers (mostly). Same policies. Totally different genre. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...open.substack.com"The Most Business Friendly Country in Europe"A Deep Dive into the Government Program 033
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 30/07/2026The privately funded Congressional Delegation to Moldova, organized by USMI, was supposed to arrive this week. It never came. No cancellation notice. No explanation. Here's what we know - and what we may never find out: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 101
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 29/07/2026Moldova’s new PM has told the cabinet to tighten their belts, though - one minister didn’t have time as he was out after 3 days. Also, Moldova’s self styled “Chief Rabbi” is implicated in a plot to smuggle rocket launchers. This Week's Roundup: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 001
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 22/07/2026Moldova has a new prime Minister. Vasile Tofan received a vote of confidence for his largely unchanged cabinet and program focused on 5 priorities: economic growth, EU accession by 2028, a leaner/digital state, security and quality of life. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 012
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 20/07/2026Half the organizations listed as "partners" by the USMI say they have no relationship with the group. Not one has confirmed a partnership. USMI is bringing a Congressional Delegation to Moldova this week on the strength of that claimed network. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 002
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 17/07/2026Vasile Tofan will seek a parliamentary mandate next Thursday, President Sandu attends the Coalition of the Willing, another drone crashes in Moldova, and the scandals rumble on. All this and more in the Weekly Roundup. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 001
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 13/07/2026Who's actually paying for a privately funded CODEL to Moldova this month? The founder of the organizing non-profit personally paid $45k to fund a Shor-linked politician's DC lobbying efforts. And this isn't his first CODEL. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 012
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 11/07/2026Vasile Tofan has been nominated as Moldova’s next prime minister. Who is he, what does his selection tell us about PAS’s direction, and can a private-sector reformer succeed in Moldova’s political system? My take in Moldova Matters open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 022
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Two interim prime ministers in less than a week. MoldATSA allegations keep expanding. PAS is expelling members, promising reforms and trying to regain control of the narrative - while new scandals keep breaking. This week's roundup: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 011
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 07/07/2026If you have a bad experience with a plumber, you don’t call an HVAC specialist the next time your toilet clogs. You call a better plumber. It's time to put the myth of the technocrat behind us and focus on the best politician for each political job. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 010
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 03/07/2026Moldova’s government has fallen after Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu abruptly resigned this morning. He cited his “principles and beliefs.” President Sandu denied any major conflict - and publicly criticized his leadership. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam...open.substack.comPrime Minister Munteanu Resigns, Bringing Down Moldova’s GovernmentQuick Hit: The unexpected departure follows weeks of controversy over tax reforms, MoldATSA and the management of state-owned companies 012
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 02/07/2026Guest post by Iulian Groza: Moldova is no longer a problem to be managed. It is a partner - and an emerging security provider. After a week of meetings in Washington, Groza makes the case for why supporting Moldova is a strategic investment. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 121
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 30/06/2026Moldova’s government had a rough week. • Tax reform is rapidly unraveling • The MoldATSA scandal claims another resignation Plus a new disinformation campaign confuses the story on union. This week's roundup: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 000
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 29/06/2026Pilot for Air Canada? more like "Microsoft Flight Simulator enthusiast." An investigation by ZdG into a forged CV has turned into the biggest scandal in corporate governance or public appointments so far this year. Here are the latest updates: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 002
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 26/06/2026A fake pilot. A communications director earning 120,000 lei/month. A state company where salaries exploded. What started as a ZdG investigation into MoldATSA’s director has become one of Moldova’s strangest governance scandals of the year. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 001
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 25/06/2026Yesterday I explained what Moldova’s proposed tax reform does. Today: what I think. There are some genuinely excellent ideas in this package. There are also some serious mistakes - in timing, process and execution. My perspective: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 010
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 24/06/2026Simplification or tax increase? Moldova’s massive proposed tax reform would touch nearly every household and business in the country. Here’s a guide to what is changing - and why. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 100
Reposted by David SmithPaula Erizanu @paulaerizanu.bsky.social · 18/06/2026Bombshell investigation from @ZiarulDe: the head of Moldova’s air regulator fabricated his CV, falsely claiming he studied aviation at a prestigious Canadian institution and worked as a pilot for AirCanada. His missions were secret, he says 1/3 www.zdg.md/investigatii...zdg.mdZborul spre șefia Moldatsa, pe aripile unui CV cu informații false: „misiunile secrete” și controversele din jurul lui Dumitru VangheliDumitru Vangheli, șeful Întreprinderii de Stat „Moldatsa”, cu un salariu de circa 110 mii de lei lunar, a inclus informații false în CV-ul cu care a câștigat funcția în urma unui concurs organizat de ... 142
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 18/06/2026How did Ilan Shor go from being banned from entering Russia to becoming a key figure in the country’s financial architecture? Three major investigations this week offer new insights. Plus: new EU sanctions and Moldova’s other top stories of the week. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 131
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 17/06/2026Moldova’s EU accession process has moved from theory to practice. The opening of Cluster 1 is a major milestone, but the real question is whether the other 5 clusters follow quickly enough to keep the 2030 target alive. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 001
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 04/06/2026After months of delays, Moldova and Ukraine could begin formal EU accession negotiations as early as this month. Also this week: Trump nominates a new ambassador to Moldova after a two-year vacancy. The latest Moldova Matters roundup: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 022
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 29/05/2026Russian drones struck a residential apartment building in Romania overnight, injuring civilians. Also, polls suggest that a majority of Transnistrians would support reintegration with Moldova. This week's roundup: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 021
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 28/05/2026Moldova says it wants to join the EU by 2030. Much of Europe quietly thinks that’s unrealistic. The gap isn’t really about reforms or procedure - it’s about radically different assumptions regarding Europe’s future, security and time itself. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 000
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 21/05/2026A drone flew the length of Moldova. Russia escalated messaging around Transnistria. Kremlin-linked hybrid campaigns spread across Europe. And Moldova somehow found itself in a Eurovision meltdown. This week’s Moldova Matters roundup: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 032
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 20/05/2026Former Deputy Mayor Irina Gutnic is accusing Mayor Ceban of political abuse, illegal practices, propaganda networks funded through municipal enterprises and more. I unpack the growing scandal and why this matters politically for Ceban and MAN. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 111
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 12/05/2026Romania’s government collapsed after PSD joined AUR in a no confidence vote. Also in this week’s roundup part 2 : the EPC summit, new parliamentary rules, inflation, fuel prices, and Moldova’s debut at the Venice Biennale. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 001
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 06/05/2026A newly formed US nonprofit is organizing a privately funded congressional delegation (CODEL) to Moldova. The organization has little visible operating history, unclear funding sources, and links to past Moldova lobbying efforts. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 012
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 03/05/2026Press freedom is collapsing globally, but Moldova is moving up. Ranked 31st in the world - ahead of the US and all EU candidates - Moldova is a rare success story in a very bad year. But the system behind that success is fragile. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 052
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 28/04/2026Moldova pardons and swaps a convicted ex-intelligence chief to bring home two detained SIS officers. Also in this week’s roundup: storms, security tensions, and escalating drone risk in Romania and Moldova. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 012
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 24/04/2026Vladimir Plahotniuc has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for his role in the “Theft of the Billion.” This isn’t just another corruption case - it’s the first time Moldova has held the man who captured the state legally accountable. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 042
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 21/04/2026Picnics in the graveyard. Fractures in parliament. Moldova’s unique “Easter of the Dead” marks a moment of reflection - but underneath, political alliances are breaking apart and energy pressures persist. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 011
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 14/04/2026Over Easter, Moldova had a busy week. From energy instability and regional tensions to ambitious (and controversial) plans to overhaul local government, plus big moves in foreign policy - there’s a lot to unpack. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 001
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 13/04/2026New on Moldova Matters: a guest post by Cristina Panaguta. A powerful personal reflection on April 2009 - memory, identity, and Moldova’s unresolved past. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 111
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 11/04/2026New report: how the Shor network uses crypto, A7, and a ruble-backed stablecoin (A7A5) to move money across borders and fund political operations. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 033
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 10/04/2026Guest post on Moldova Matters: The 2009 pro-European revolution was real - but it was also a stolen opportunity. Daniel Vodă on why 2028 is Moldova’s make-or-break moment for EU accession. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 001
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 01/04/2026Moldova narrowly avoided rolling blackouts after a deliberate drone strike on a key power line. But a much bigger crisis is unfolding - driven by the global oil shock - with real risks of recession ahead. What happened and what comes next: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 021
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 31/03/2026Newsletters are having a real moment - especially in Central & Eastern Europe. I’ve put together a list of the CEE newsletters I rely on most for understanding the region. If you follow the region, or European politics - this is a great place to start: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 022
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 27/03/2026March 27, 1918 → March 27, 2026 What really happened when Bessarabia united with Romania - and could it happen again? Igor Cașu, Director of Moldova’s National Archives, separates history from myth. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 111
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 26/03/2026A Russian drone strike has damaged a key power line supplying Moldova — triggering an energy emergency and raising the risk of blackouts. This wasn’t just an incident. It exposed a critical vulnerability in Moldova’s energy system. Full analysis: open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 000
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 23/03/2026Moldova’s 2025 elections weren’t just targeted - they were engineered to fail In a new report with WatchdogMD, I break down how cyberattacks, disinformation, and protest mobilization were meant to work together to undermine the vote - and why they didn’t open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 031
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 20/03/2026A leaked Moldovan government document is offering the clearest look yet at how officials are thinking about Transnistria. It’s not a plan—but it reveals a strategy. Here’s what it says (and why it matters): open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 021
David Smith @dsmith890.bsky.social · 19/03/2026Guest article by Vasile Tofan: Moldova’s local government system is too fragmented to work. ~900 mayoralties. Shrinking population. Limited capacity. A Baltic-inspired model would replace this with ~40 strong municipalities. open.substack.com/pub/moldovam... 011