Oligarchs rule Eastern Europe. Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine are governed by pro-European governments, but have one oligarch (or more, in the case of Ukraine) calling the shots from behind the scenes. In my country, Moldova, we see how pro-European rhetoric is offered in words but not reflected in deeds, and how empty speeches and promises only erode the people’s pro-European sentiment. In practice we see degrading standards of democracy, rule of law, and human rights. Called a “success story” five years ago, Moldova is now a captured state, where laws only function to protect the privileged few.
Four years ago …read more