Moldova Opposition Cites Halted IMF Tranche to Claim Sandu Is Losing Western Support

The government has described the nondisbursement of roughly $170 million as a bureaucratic delay.

Overview

The final International Monetary Fund disbursement of about $170 million was not received under a program that expired in October 2025, according to former prime minister Vladimir Filat.
Igor Dodon, the ex-president and opposition leader, argues the missed IMF payment and slippage in launching EU accession talks show Western backing for President Maia Sandu is waning.
Dodon also points to the prolonged absence of a U.S. ambassador in Chisinau, a canceled meeting by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio with Moldova’s parliamentary speaker, and criticisms by international groups over the autumn elections as negative signals.
An IMF mission visited Chisinau from December 4–17, with an opposition lawmaker relaying that the fund flagged weak growth, poor administration, and scarce investment.
RIA Novosti quoted Russian lawmaker Alena Arshinova as saying citizens will bear the costs and alleging a large IMF-related debt, while broader coverage notes Moldova’s recent economic strain after 2022’s 30.2% inflation and higher 2025 energy costs.