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Editorials

Veridica Editorials bring to your attention hot topics on the international agenda. Our journalists are closely following and monitoring international developments, in particular in countries in Central and Eastern Europe, and offer original and well-documented viewpoints that will provide you with a better insight into our reality.
Erdoğan vs. Kiliçdaroğlu, or the fault lines of Turkey’s politics

Erdoğan vs. Kiliçdaroğlu, or the fault lines of Turkey’s politics

On May 28, Turks will decide whether to consolidate the regime of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the strongman of Turkey’s politics who has reigned unchallenged for the last 20 years, or to vote for Kemal Kiliçdaroğlu, seen as Turkey’s “Ghandi”, who fosters a return to old republican values.

Ionuț Iamandi
Ionuț Iamandi
24 May 2023
Russia’s plans to bring the Baltic countries in its orbit

Russia’s plans to bring the Baltic countries in its orbit

Russia has drawn plans for each Baltic country on how to influence local politics and society. The war in Ukraine seems to have derailed these plans, but that doesn’t mean that Russia’s long-term goals have changed.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
16 May 2023
Why Russia will never be the same after the war in Ukraine

Why Russia will never be the same after the war in Ukraine

Putin’s propaganda managed to bring Russia to the brink of a civilizational makeover, at the end of which we will finally be able to claim that Russia’s quest for empire has truly ended.

Cosmin Popa
Cosmin Popa
12 May 2023
The Estonian scandal that brought into spotlight corruption in Ukraine

The Estonian scandal that brought into spotlight corruption in Ukraine

In March, a scandal erupted in Estonia: money raised for Ukraine by the most famous Estonian charitable organization, Slava Ukraini, had apparently been misused. This lead to a sharp decrease of donations for Ukraine and brought into spotlight that country’s rampant corruption.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
10 May 2023
The candidates supported by Dodon and Shor are contesting the leadership of Gagauzia

The candidates supported by Dodon and Shor are contesting the leadership of Gagauzia

The candidates supported by the former president Igor Dodon, and the fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor respectively, got the largest number of votes in the first round of the elections for the office of Governor of Gagauzia. The campaign was marked by the promotion of Russian propaganda narratives, the involvement of some Russian politicians and artists, but also by a diplomatic scandal between the Republic of Moldova and Russia.

Veridica
Veridica
01 May 2023
The President challenging the Georgian Dream

The President challenging the Georgian Dream

Georgian President Salome Zourabishvili is increasingly distancing herself from the ruling Georgian Dream party that helped her win the elections. Zourabishvili opposes the Georgian Dream increasingly anti-Western rhetoric and seems poised to challenge the Georgian Dream with a new political movement that would bring Georgia closer to the EU.

Diana Shanava
Diana Shanava
21 Apr 2023
Partner of necessity or loyal ally? Belarus’s part in Putin’s war against Ukraine

Partner of necessity or loyal ally? Belarus’s part in Putin’s war against Ukraine

Alexander Lukashenko’s close ties to the Kremlin have made Belarus a co-aggressor in Russia’s war against Ukraine, which in the future might turn this country into a target of a possible nuclear retaliation. All that was made possible due to the barter Belarussian authorities consented to by allowing Putin to use a strategically important territory in exchange for keeping Lukashenko in office. Yet just how important a part does Belarus play in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and what does that entail for the future of the region?

Tatsiana Ashurkevich
Tatsiana Ashurkevich
20 Apr 2023
Pentagon leaks: what we know so far and the questions that need answers

Pentagon leaks: what we know so far and the questions that need answers

US authorities have arrested and indicted a suspect in the leaked Pentagon documents investigation. There are however questions the public expect to be answered, from how a 21-year-old was allowed to upload top-secret documents online, to the nature of the data itself – are we truly looking at classified information, or is this an elaborate form of disinformation?

Ionuț Iamandi
Ionuț Iamandi
18 Apr 2023
Netanyahu, between the hammer and the anvil

Netanyahu, between the hammer and the anvil

For a long time, the silent majority of Israelis have allowed the Netanyahu administrations to erode the democratic system and jeopardize the chances of peace with the Palestinians. But hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets to stop the justice reform that most Israelis see as a danger to the country's democratic institutions - but which is wanted by the extremists on whom the government depends.

Ioana Dumitrescu
Ioana Dumitrescu
14 Apr 2023
Estonia and the “old weapons” for Ukraine scandal

Estonia and the “old weapons” for Ukraine scandal

Estonia gave Ukraine old weapons, paid for with European money, but charged Brussels for new ones, according to European sources quoted by Politico. Many in Estonia’s political establishment categorically rejected the allegations, but some admitted there is some truth in them, explaining that the scandal has to do both with Tallinn’s self-righteousness towards its partners when it comes to helping Ukraine, and its desire to better arm itself.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
12 Apr 2023
Donald Trump indicted. The significance of an unprecedented case

Donald Trump indicted. The significance of an unprecedented case

Donald Trump is the first former US president to be brought to court in a criminal investigation. How will the trial (and others that might follow) affect Trump’s political standing, given the ex-president has already announced his White House bid in 2024?

Ionuț Iamandi
Ionuț Iamandi
05 Apr 2023
Saving the oceans, a priority for the global economy and for the ecological balance of the Earth

Saving the oceans, a priority for the global economy and for the ecological balance of the Earth

Carbon emissions, pollution and overfishing are putting the world's oceans at risk. They play a key role in maintaining the ecological balance of the Earth, but also in the global economy. Urgent measures to protect them and a better understanding of the phenomena that affect them are much needed.

Ionuț Iamandi
Ionuț Iamandi
29 Mar 2023
Is Turkey headed for the end of the Erdoğan era?

Is Turkey headed for the end of the Erdoğan era?

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his party, AKP, will face the most difficult elections in the last twenty years. The economic crisis, the February 6 earthquake, the opposition coalition and the possible mobilization of the Kurds diminish Erdoğan's chances of staying in power. The end of the Erdoğan era does not mean that Turkey will become a liberal democracy – but there is a chance that it will

Dragoș Mateescu
Dragoș Mateescu
24 Mar 2023
Xi in Moscow: a lifeline for Putin, money and prestige for China

Xi in Moscow: a lifeline for Putin, money and prestige for China

Xi Jinping visited “dear friend” Vladimir Putin in Moscow to promote his peace plan and sign deals that will take trade to $200 billion. For Putin, increasingly isolated internationally, the visit was a lifeline. For Xi, an opportunity to promote China's interests and his own image.

Ioana Dumitrescu
Ioana Dumitrescu
22 Mar 2023
In Georgia, the government is looking at the Russian playbook while the population is aiming for EU membership

In Georgia, the government is looking at the Russian playbook while the population is aiming for EU membership

Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream was recently forced to drop a Russian-inspired bill. The party seems determined to return to this project, which may compromise Georgia's European path, but is promoted by Russian propaganda. The problem for the Georgian Dream - and for Moscow - is that most of the population opts for Euro-Atlantic integration.

Diana Shanava
Diana Shanava
21 Mar 2023
The war in Iraq, 20 years on: the top disinformation narratives used to justify it, the biggest successes and failures

The war in Iraq, 20 years on: the top disinformation narratives used to justify it, the biggest successes and failures

The war was launched to neutralize Iraq’s arsenal of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) – which did not exist. It also sought to replace Saddam Hussein’s neo-Stalinist regime with a liberal democracy close to the United States. After twenty years and a series of serious mistakes, instead of a liberal democracy, Iraq got a rather authoritarian regime, despite the existence of political pluralism and free elections. The number one power that determines Baghdad’s policy-making is Iran, America’s biggest adversary in the region.

Cătălin Gomboș
Cătălin Gomboș
20 Mar 2023
Elections in Estonia: the victory of the liberals, the protest vote in Narva, and the success of the Putinists

Elections in Estonia: the victory of the liberals, the protest vote in Narva, and the success of the Putinists

The parliamentary elections held in Estonia showed that in an extremely unstable geopolitical situation in Europe, with the war in Ukraine going on for more than a year, the population is aware of the risks and is ready to rally around those political forces that rely on the European Union and NATO. At the same time, there were also some unpleasant discoveries for Estonian society.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
14 Mar 2023
How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine increased the Baltic countries’ profile within NATO

How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine increased the Baltic countries’ profile within NATO

Ever since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Baltic countries have been skeptical about Russia’s true aims. It was a view that proved to be more realistic than those held by many in the West, who thought that Russia can be a genuine partner of the Western liberal democracies and part of a stable international system.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
09 Mar 2023
Why the February 6 quake could undermine the Erdoğan regime and Turkey’s aggressive foreign policy

Why the February 6 quake could undermine the Erdoğan regime and Turkey’s aggressive foreign policy

The February 6 quake could deal a heavy blow to the administration led by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, commonly seen as the man responsible for the disregard of building safety codes. The Turkish president came under heavy criticism for the authorities’ sluggish response to this disaster, which affected primarily the Kurds and the Alevi. The quake might equally exert a heavy toll on Turkey’s foreign policy, considering that Ankara’s traditional enemies have shown solidarity with the Turkish people.

Dragoș Mateescu
Dragoș Mateescu
28 Feb 2023
Georgia is being pushed towards Moscow’s orbit by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Is the government in Tbilisi risking the ire of the country’s pro-European majority?

Georgia is being pushed towards Moscow’s orbit by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Is the government in Tbilisi risking the ire of the country’s pro-European majority?

Formally, Tbilisi maintains its course towards integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, but the movement towards the West has been on inertia lately, while Moscow's influence is only growing. The ruling party, founded by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, increasingly links national interests with his personal interests, be it political or business related. At a decisive moment for Georgia's future, such a policy may prove fatal.

Diana Shanava
Diana Shanava
23 Feb 2023
The Dorin Recean government came to power to manage security threats, but finds no place for Russia in the government agenda

The Dorin Recean government came to power to manage security threats, but finds no place for Russia in the government agenda

Voted by Parliament less than a week after the resignation of the Gavrilita Government, the Recean cabinet came up with a government program that focuses on security, economic development and the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. The document does not make any reference to the relations with Russia, although it is clear that Russia will continue to influence, through its people, the political processes in Chisinau and has other important levers, primarily Transnistria and the energy weapon.

Veridica
Veridica
20 Feb 2023
Those who caused the earthquake should pay! Senator Diana Sosoaca’s view of the tragedy that hit Turky and Syria

Those who caused the earthquake should pay! Senator Diana Sosoaca’s view of the tragedy that hit Turky and Syria

The earthquake in Turkey was caused by the “the world’s great powers” - i.e. Westerners - to punish the country's president, Recep Tayip Erdoğan, Senator Diana Sosoaca believes. She presented her theory on the very rostrum of the Senate, in a statement stuffed with conspiracy theories, fake history, narratives about the war in Ukraine reminiscent of Russian propaganda and a call to battle with references to the Old Testament.

Cezar Manu
Cezar Manu
15 Feb 2023
Maia Sandu accuses Moscow of planning a coup in the Republic of Moldova, with fighters from Russia, Belarus, Serbia and Montenegro

Maia Sandu accuses Moscow of planning a coup in the Republic of Moldova, with fighters from Russia, Belarus, Serbia and Montenegro

According to the Moldovan president, the Russian plan involves para-military units of foreign fighters, in civilian clothes, which would have attacked state institutions and taken hostages, the actions being masked by protests of the pro-Russian opposition.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
13 Feb 2023
Estonia before the elections: security and energy will be key

Estonia before the elections: security and energy will be key

Estonia is gearing up for general elections, which are scheduled in March. This year, they will come against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the problems brought by the war throughout the region. Thus, security and energy are bound to be the main topics of the electoral campaign. Also because of the war, it is highly unlikely that any significant party will raise the questions of improving relations with Moscow as a way of courting Estonia’s Russian minority.

Olesja Lagashina
Olesja Lagashina
09 Feb 2023
Turkey – forever indifferent to the lessons of past earthquakes

Turkey – forever indifferent to the lessons of past earthquakes

Thousands of buildings collapsed in Turkey during the February 6 earthquake. This is not the first tragedy of this magnitude in the history of this country. While other countries in areas with a much higher degree of seismic activity have understood the importance of reducing seismic risk through strict regulations in the construction sector, Turkey seems to be always taken by surprise.

Ionuț Iamandi
Ionuț Iamandi
08 Feb 2023
The TV Rain row shows that while Russian journalists are welcome in the Baltics there are limits to what they can broadcast

The TV Rain row shows that while Russian journalists are welcome in the Baltics there are limits to what they can broadcast

As the Kremlin made it virtually impossible for independent media to work in Russia, many outlets and journalists took refuge abroad. The Baltics offered such a safe haven including to the famous TV Rain, which moved its main operations to Latvia. After broadcasting for several months, TV Rain’s license was revoked for not complying with the Latvian rules and showing sympathy for the Russian troops fighting in Ukraine. However, Riga’s decision, while considered too harsh by some, did not lead to an exodus of Russian independent media from the Baltics.

Kaspars Germanis
Kaspars Germanis
31 Jan 2023
As the war with Ukraine rages on, Russia is afraid of a psychic attack and is ready to defend itself with priests and officers with paranormal powers

As the war with Ukraine rages on, Russia is afraid of a psychic attack and is ready to defend itself with priests and officers with paranormal powers

According to a document of the Russian Federal Guard Service, the agency is prepared to defend Vladimir Putin including with the help of hypnotists and priests. The existence of a parapsychological defence plan may seem bizarre, but a penchant for mysticism and the paranormal is not uncommon in Russia. Over time, the elites and even the state have turned to unconventional helpers, such as Rasputin, KGB parapsychologists or the FSB general who said he can read minds.

Ionuț Iamandi
Ionuț Iamandi
30 Jan 2023
The year Turkey celebrates its centennial, Islamist Recep Tayyip Erdoğan might deal a deadly blow to Atatürk’s republic

The year Turkey celebrates its centennial, Islamist Recep Tayyip Erdoğan might deal a deadly blow to Atatürk’s republic

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is trying to consolidate his regime by jockeying a third term at the helm of the country. The general elections this spring will take place amidst a severe economic crisis. To increase their odds, the Islamists have resorted to electoral handouts and sabotaging the opposition. The elections take place in a very special year: 2023 marks a century since Mustaka Kemal Atatürk proclaimed the republic, a republic which today is facing a full-blown crisis and is drifting further away from the vision of its founder.

Dragoș Mateescu
Dragoș Mateescu
27 Jan 2023
The Russian world, or the limitrophes of the 21st century

The Russian world, or the limitrophes of the 21st century

The withdrawal by Lithuania of the License of the Russian television station Rain TV, brings to attention an older issue regarding the liberal Russian opposition: is it willing to abandon the imperialism at the core of the various autocrat Russian regimes? Lithuanian journalist Nikadem Szczygaowski writes that from the Tsarist era reformists to contestants of the Soviet system as Mihail Bulgakov to Putin opponents like Alexei Navalnîi, the support for the empire - described, euphemistically, as the "Russian world" - seems to remain the same.

Confronting Memories
Confronting Memories
24 Jan 2023
The capture of fugitive oligarchs – a test of strength for Moldova’s judiciary. Chișinău relies on the West, while oligarchs rely on the system they helped shape

The capture of fugitive oligarchs – a test of strength for Moldova’s judiciary. Chișinău relies on the West, while oligarchs rely on the system they helped shape

When it came to power, the pro-European government promised to reform the judiciary and bring to justice the oligarchs who embezzled state funds and are now hiding abroad. Vladimir Plahotniuc, Ilan Shor and fugitives from “the London group” seem to continue to enjoy protection from the system they helped build and are supporting efforts to oust the current pro-European administration. On the other hand, the authorities also rely on the support of the country’s Western partners, who seem to have understood that oligarchs are pressing for closer relations with the Russian Federation.

Mădălin Necșuțu
Mădălin Necșuțu
19 Jan 2023
The Commonwealth of Independent States, a doomed Russian project

The Commonwealth of Independent States, a doomed Russian project

Between December 26 and 27, 2022, the informal Summit of the leaders of the CIS states took place in the city of Sankt-Petersburg. The meeting should have shown that this Russian-dominated organization, which for years has been trying to present it as an alternative to the more attractive EU and NATO, is relevant and viable, that Moscow enjoys the support of its ex-Soviet partners even in the conditions of the war in Ukraine. Speeches about cooperation cannot mask the reality: the CIS is an outdated organization, in crisis, which has no serious long-term prospects.

Angela Grămadă
Angela Grămadă
11 Jan 2023
“The kid started to stutter and pee the bed in terror”. The war still haunts Ukrainian refugees in Moldova

“The kid started to stutter and pee the bed in terror”. The war still haunts Ukrainian refugees in Moldova

The war still haunts the refugees, even though some left Ukraine months ago. The memory of Russian bombing is still alive for them. They speak all the time to their relatives back home, who give them regular updates on what’s happening. They keep thinking of going back home. A few tens of thousands out of the millions of Ukrainian war refugees chose to stay in the Republic of Moldova. Mariana Vasilache spoke to some of them at her childhood school, which is now their new home.

Mariana Vasilache
Mariana Vasilache
29 Dec 2022
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