In Moldova, Pro-Russian 'Shor' Party Deemed Unconstitutional

Today, the Constitutional Court of Moldova ruled the pro-Russian 'Shor' party to be unconstitutional. The announcement was made by Moldovan President Maia Sandu via social media.

"This is a decision that society has been awaiting, primarily because Moldovans value and wish to live in a democratic state, a rule-of-law state where criminal organisations are not protected but hindered from seizing the state," the statement said.

"A political party born out of corruption and serving corruption poses a danger to the constitutional order and national security. It is expected that state institutions will analyse the reasoning of the Constitutional Court's decision and take subsequent steps for its execution and effective implementation.

The citizens of the Republic of Moldova have always defended their freedom and demanded equal law for everyone. Moldova should become a state that sanctions and does not allow corrupt individuals to use state and public money for personal interests. Moldovans want a state that protected them from thieves and delivered justice. Only a state rid of its plunderers can ensure prosperity for its citizens," the Moldovan President added.

In turn, members of the Moldovan Constitutional Court stated that the 'Shor' party had objectives directed against the principles of the rule of law, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova. The decision was made according to part 4 of Article 41 of the Constitution, which stipulates: "Parties and other socio-political organisations whose objectives or activities are against political pluralism, the principles of the rule of law, sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova are unconstitutional".

Previously, the Moldovan government had requested the Constitutional Court to check the party for constitutionality. Government representatives insisted that the party had repeatedly violated laws concerning the financing of political forces and collaborated with Russia aiming to destabilise the situation in Moldova.

According to the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, Russia plans a coup in the country, leveraging protests and opposition, involving individuals with military training for this purpose.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed deep concern over such actions of Russia against Moldova. Following this, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (OFAC) added seven individuals, associated with Russian intelligence, involved in destabilising the situation in Moldova, to the sanctions list.