Moldova's Parliament Votes to Shut Down 'Russian House'

Moldova's Parliament has taken the initial step to end a 1998 agreement with Russia. This move could lead to the closure of the Russian Center for Science and Culture (Russian House) in Chișinău.

On November 13, a majority of pro-European lawmakers supported the measure in the first round of voting. Sixty members voted in favor, with 54 from the Action and Solidarity (PAS) party and six from the Democracy at Home group. The opposition, which includes Communists, Socialists, the Alternative bloc, and Our Party, cast 35 votes against the plan. A final vote is planned within ten days.

Culture Minister Cristian Jardan introduced the suggestion to end the agreement. He claimed the Russian House was being used for state propaganda instead of cultural activities. Jardan said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had evidence that the institution was spreading false information to excuse Russian violence in Ukraine. He said this posed a danger to Moldova's security and independence.

The possibility of closing the center was first mentioned in February 2025, after Russian drones reportedly entered Moldovan airspace. Moldovan officials called these events a serious threat, a violation of their country's independence, and an unfriendly gesture from Russia.

Parliamentary discussions were heated. Igor Dodon, leader of the Socialist faction, asked for the proposal to be removed from the agenda. He argued that the government hadn't provided enough proof and that ending the agreement goes against the interests of most citizens. Vlad Batrînca, a colleague and Vice Speaker, described the possible closure as a useless and dangerous project and warned it might cause public unrest.

Russia strongly criticized the decision. The Russian Embassy in Moldova called it wrong and not helpful. Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said he regretted the move, calling it another sign of hostility towards our country.

The Russian House in Chișinău opened in 2009. If the plan is approved in the second vote and signed by President Maia Sandu, the center will have to shut down by July 2026.

This closure is similar to actions taken in other countries. The Russian House, which represents the Russian agency Rossotrudnichestvo, was shut down in Baku earlier this year because of political tensions and a lack of legal registration. Also, Romanian officials closed their Russian House in 2023. These organizations are supposedly meant to promote Russian culture, education, science, and the Russian language around the world.