Moldova President denies information about likely ban on Church of Moldova

Maia Sandu. Photo: Facebook

President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, has denied the statement made by Deputy Vasile Șoimaru of the ruling Action and Solidarity Party regarding plans to shut down the Orthodox Church of Moldova (OCM), similar to actions taken in Ukraine.

“There is no danger for either the Metropolis of Moldova (OCM) or the Metropolis of Bessarabia, which is under the jurisdiction of the Romanian Orthodox Church. On the contrary, over the past four years, we have done everything possible to enhance peace and mutual understanding between these metropolises. We have good relations with both,” Sandu said in a Facebook address. She added that "the deputy's statements have nothing to do with reality."

As reported earlier, Vasile Șoimaru stated on television that the authorities plan to liquidate the OCM the next fall. This statement sparked a strong reaction from opposition parties and the public, after which the ruling party noted that this was Șoimaru's personal opinion.

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