New museum rules: a single framework statute for all institutions

Museums in the Republic of Moldova currently operate under their own rules, which authorities say often lack consistency and alignment. At the Ministry of Culture’s proposal, the Government decided to standardise them by approving a framework statute for the organisation and operation of public museums.

Ludmila Vartic case moved to Chișinău; over 30 people questioned, Hâncești hospital director resigns

The investigation into the death of Ludmila Vartic was moved from Hâncești and will now be conducted by the Râșcani District Prosecutor's Office in Chișinău. Also, Petru Ciubotaru, the director of Hâncești District Hospital, resigned on March 18 after admitting that he failed to notify law enforcement in November 2025 when Vartic arrived at the hospital following a suicide attempt.

Moldova ensures safer medicines with new government manufacturing rules

The Government has revised the regulations for drug manufacturing to ensure that the domestic market has access to safer products. During a meeting on March 18, the Government approved the rules for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) for drugs.

Fuel hike may push inflation up 3.5%, Finance Minister

The rise in fuel prices, a direct result of the war in the Middle East, could exert pressure on inflation in the Republic of Moldova. Finance Minister Andrian Gavriliță estimates that inflation may increase by 3.5%.

Căușeni mayor detained for allegedly demanding €4,500 bribe

Alexandru Donțu, the mayor of Căușeni, was detained on March 18th by anti-corruption officers for allegedly soliciting a bribe of 89,300 lei, equivalent to nearly 4,500 euros, in exchange for awarding a contract.

Ireland shows EU accession success for the Republic of Moldova

Ireland serves as a strong example of how EU membership can significantly change a country. The Republic of Moldova could follow a similar trajectory with the help of member states, including Ireland. According to Thomas Byrne, Ireland's Minister for European Affairs and Defence, EU membership has greatly influenced the country's economic, social, and cultural development. His experience demonstrates how transformative this process can be for a candidate state.

Luxury cars stolen abroad and sold in Moldova; group dismantled

Cars stolen from European Union countries are smuggled into the Republic of Moldova and sold through specialized online platforms. This scheme was operated by a group of four men originally from the Hâncești and Strășeni districts.

Ludmila Vartic case merged into one file

The cases concerning the death of Ludmila Vartic, a teacher from Hâncești found dead in early March after allegedly falling from a height, have been merged into a single trial. The case is being examined under the charge of domestic violence with the intent to commit suicide. Viorel Cernăuțeanu, the head of the General Inspectorate of Police (IGP), announced that the investigation is being conducted by the Hâncești investigation unit.

Repeated border incident: Shahed drone crossed Moldova’s airspace near Palanca

Moldovan airspace was again invaded by a drone on the night of March 18, near the Palanca border crossing. This marks the second consecutive day of such incidents.

IN CONTEXT | Expert: Gradual integration benefits Moldova before EU accession

The Republic of Moldova could benefit from European investment and economic support prior to becoming a member state of the European Union (EU) through a gradual integration mechanism. This model would strengthen the country's candidate status, and according to Watchdog expert Andrei Curăraru on the Moldova 1 show, "the situation must be leveraged to the country's advantage."

Water crisis in Soroca: Residents haul well water; authorities supply tankers

Many residents of Soroca are still without tap water, and by Wednesday, March 18, several neighborhoods in the city may have their water supply completely cut off. Authorities are exploring alternative water supply solutions, and the municipal enterprise "Apa-Canal" is working to restart the artesian wells in the village of Egoreni.

Tudora drone posed higher explosion risk; police warn citizens

A drone discovered in Tudora, located in the Stefan Voda district, was found to contain extremely dangerous cargo. In light of this, Viorel Cernăuțeanu, the head of the General Inspectorate of Police (IGP), is urging citizens to avoid approaching such objects and to contact the authorities immediately if they encounter one. This warning follows an incident in which a man filmed the drone he found near his home and approached it, unaware of the potential risks.