Moldovan president uses Russia to battle government

Significance

President Igor Dodon and the government are at odds on numerous issues, most concerning relations with Russia. Dodon is making maximum use of his limited authority to seek more power. He is using live issues such as the legacy of corruption that still attaches to the pro-EU parties, Russia's value as a market and source of labour remittances, and relations with separatist Transnistria.

Impacts

• Dodon's pro-Russian stance is likely to prompt more EU support to keep Moldova on track.
• Ukraine will seek Moldovan allies to confine Russian influence to Transnistria.
• Russia will try to build a broader political constituency by quietly backing sympathetic political parties.