Democracy in Moldova: can civil society deliver?
Moldova is still navigating a complex path towards democratization, shaped by political instability, economic hardship, and institutional fragility. In this process, the Moldovan civil society plays a significant role, though its influence has often been limited by a combination of internal barriers, such as corruption, weak democratic institutions, overdependence on international funding, and fragility to external threats.
September 27, 2025 -
Alexandru Fordea
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Hot TopicsIssue 5 2025Magazine
In the immediate aftermath of independence, Moldova witnessed the emergence of a civil society aiming to align with democratic and European values. However, its evolution was hindered by an adverse economic environment, fragile political structures, and a Soviet legacy that discouraged active citizen participation. Like many countries in the region, Moldova underwent significant transformations during the 1990s, including the expansion of the non-profit sector and its gradual integration into public life. Initially, however, civil society organizations, or CSOs, struggled with a poor public image. Their access to foreign funds and tax-exempt status were often misunderstood, contributing to widespread mistrust. The absence of clear financial oversight mechanisms also led to several incidents of money laundering, frequently involving political figures who misused humanitarian aid for electoral purposes.
Since 2000, the number of non-governmental organizations has grown substantially. While there were fewer than 500 at the start of the millennium, by 2008 this figure had quintupled, eventually reaching nearly 15,000 in the period following the pandemic. Despite this numerical expansion, the quality of civic engagement remains largely shaped by political affiliations rather than organic, volunteer-driven participation. Additionally, many Moldovan CSOs have been heavily dependent on international funding. This has enabled their operation and growth but has also raised concerns about their independence and real capacity to influence transformative change.
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