The Institute for Development and Social Initiatives "Viitorul" (IDIS) broadcast 23 video materials between June and September 2025 to combat disinformation related to specific topics surrounding the parliamentary elections held on September 28, 2025, in the Republic of Moldova. A group of young content creators created the videos as part of the project "Strengthening society's resilience against disinformation during the 2025 parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova", with the financial support of the European Union (EU) within the regional project "ProElect - Promote accountability in Electoral processes in EaP through increased participation and capacity of civic actors" is a regional project run by the Transatlantic Foundation in partnership with IREX Europe (doing business as Equal Rights and Independent Media - ERIM).
The 23 videos address current topics of debate, necessary for the future of the Republic of Moldova, indicate the presence of narratives specific to propaganda, but also classic themes used in anti-EU and pro-Russia disinformation campaigns, formulations that raise suspicions and induce anxiety regarding the future of the country, but also suggest that the public is exposed to contradictory and dubious information. Fear and insecurity are cultivated through false narratives about militarization and war, through false narratives about the loss of traditions or the "betrayal" of the church, but also through speculation regarding strategic infrastructure.
The videos emphasize the significance of citizen engagement in elections and the risks associated with voter absenteeism. They also draw attention to the role of online manipulation and fake news in eroding trust in institutions. It also reflects how national security is exploited for manipulation. The videos also analyze how the advantages and disadvantages of EU orientation vs. dependence on Russia are presented. In particular, it highlights manipulation tactics that fuel fears of losing sovereignty or traditional markets, undermining trust in the EU, creating internal divisions, and presenting Russia as a "savior alternative."
"In the process of making the videos, I noticed that, during the election period, disinformation was used not only to manipulate opinions, but also to induce panic and destabilize the situation in the country. Through these materials, I tried to present the mechanisms behind the phenomenon and to provide the public with useful information to help them recognize fake news. I am convinced that only through accurate information and by cultivating critical thinking can we strengthen society's resilience in the face of manipulation," says Snejana Jitari, one of the content creators.
"My involvement in the development of these materials, aimed at combating disinformation during this period, came from the desire to support correct information and to increase awareness of the risks generated by Russian influences in the information space of the Republic of Moldova. Me, You, We All can make the change, not through indifference," says Radu Soltan, content creator.
"All the videos we made addressed one issue: the economic dependence and vulnerability of the Republic of Moldova towards Russia. They outlined a narrative framework that explained the transition of the Republic of Moldova from a traditional dependence on Russia towards market diversification and EU integration for the benefit of the Republic of Moldova's economy," said Silviu Plopa, also a content creator.
"These videos are not simple communication exercises, but part of a broader effort to protect the information space of the Republic of Moldova during a crucial moment for the future of the country. Our role, as an organization, was to provide young content creators with a framework and the necessary tools to dismantle false narratives and explain to the public the subtle mechanisms of disinformation. I believe that these 23 materials represent not only a timely reaction to electoral campaigns but also an investment in strengthening civic culture and citizens' trust in democratic institutions. Given the internal and external context, such efforts should be made permanently and without interruption, not only during electoral periods," said Mihai Țurcanu, the project coordinator.
The 23 video materials were published on the IDIS "Viitorul" website, but also disseminated on the social networks managed by IDIS "Viitorul": viitorul.org, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Telegram, Linkedin, TikTok.
The project, in the context of the parliamentary elections that were held on September 28, 2025, aimed to contribute to reversing the current harmful trend of Russian propaganda and disinformation, which is taking control in the Republic of Moldova with relatively small investments and despite all the tangible advantages that Moldova has and has had in its relationship with the EU. The presidential elections and the referendum in 2024 were the target not only of attempts at fraud through corruption, but also of Russian propaganda, seeking to convince voters to vote for Russian representatives and vote against the referendum on Moldova's accession to the EU.
Through the project, IDIS "Viitorul" aims to enhance the critical thinking skills of society in the Republic of Moldova, improve media literacy, and increase public awareness in the context of the parliamentary elections held on September 28.
This press release has been produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the ”Strengthen societal resilience against disinformation during the 2025 parliamentary elections in Moldova” project, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
The project entitled ”Strengthen societal resilience against disinformation during the 2025 parliamentary elections in Moldova” is being carried out between June and December 2025 and is implemented by IDIS "Viitorul," with the financial support of the European Union (EU) within the regional project “ProElect - Promote accountability in Electoral processes in EaP through increased participation and capacity of civic actors” is a regional project run by the Transatlantic Foundation in partnership with IREX Europe (doing business as Equal Rights and Independent Media - ERIM).
IDIS “Viitorul” is an independent think tank established in 1993 that combines social, political and economic research with strong advocacy components. The institution conducts applied monitoring research in several areas: economics, social policy, EU policies, regional development, and security and foreign policy risks.
Follow us on: Facebook; Instagram; Linkedin; Telegram; Youtube; Tiktok.
