Moldova’s ruling party rejected a visit to Tbilisi due to strained bilateral relations with Georgia, according to OC Media. The decision followed a recent trip by a Moldovan parliamentary delegation, led by pro-Russian lawmaker Bogdan Țîrdea and former President Igor Dodon, as part of a friendship group between the two legislatures. Speaker Igor Grosu of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) explained that several factors influenced the party’s refusal to accept the invitation.
These included concerns about the significant influence of Georgian Dream’s billionaire founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, within domestic politics, and repeated criticism of the PAS by Georgian Dream. Grosu stated that Moldova faced similar challenges with oligarchic influence within its own electoral processes. Țîrdea publicly condemned the refusal, alleging the PAS was attempting to prevent opposition members from traveling.
He questioned the purpose of the friendship group, expressing shock at the situation. Grosu further emphasized that disrespectful statements from Georgia towards Moldova and its people made accepting the visit impossible. The Georgian Dream party has frequently targeted the PAS and Moldovan President Maia Sandu, prompting reciprocal responses.
Following the PAS’s victory in the 2025 parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze cited Moldova’s membership in the CIS as a reason to withhold congratulations, a claim widely viewed as a tactic to obscure Georgian Dream’s lack of support for Moldova’s pro-EU government. Previous instances, such as denying entry to Georgian media and diplomatic incidents, have further complicated relations between the two nations. These events highlight the ongoing difficulties in the political relations between Moldova and Georgia.
Topics: #party #relations #moldova
The Moldovan government has cancelled a planned trip to Tbilisi, citing difficult relations with Georgia. According to OC Media, this decision came after a recent visit by a Moldovan parliamentary del