Moderator challenged in Moldovan election campaign

The Press Council of the Republic of Moldova is contesting the decision that journalist Gheorghe Gonta will moderate the presidential debates for the second round of the elections between Maia Sandu and Alexandr Stoianoglo.

The Council, which is a professional association for the self-regulation of the activity of Moldovan press institutions and journalists, criticizes Gonta's lack of integrity and impartiality and considers his choice to be disrespectful to the public.

Gheorghe Gonta has admitted that he accepted money in envelopes from politicians, and members of the Press Council recall that the journalist has a contract with politician Renato Usatii to promote him.

The initiative to have the debate of the remaining candidates in the presidential race moderated by Gheorghe Gonta came from the team of Alexandr Stoianoglo, a pro-Russian, Socialist-backed pro-Russian, and pro-European President Maia Sandu accepted the proposal.

Translated by: Radu Matei