Democracy and state capture in Moldova

In power since 2009, Moldova's pro-democracy and pro-European ruling coalition has been unable to implement effectively much-needed reforms. Presenting the details of recent key events and using quantitative assessments, this article argues that the main cause of Moldova's present problems is state capture. Cynical elites have engaged in a fierce competition for the capture of state institutions and for the control of policymaking in order to promote their own private economic interests. The ensuing delegitimation of state institutions and of the Moldovan state itself is highly detrimental to the country's democracy and sovereignty.