Taraclia, September 10, 2025 – The Independent Countering Disinformation Centre (ICDC), with support from the TUK news portal, organised a roundtable entitled “Southern Moldova Against Manipulation: How to Protect Citizens Ahead of the Elections.” The event gathered around 80 participants, including local officials, school directors, librarians, NGOs, and journalists, for an open discussion on the challenges facing Moldova’s south in the pre-election period.

The atmosphere was both candid and emotional. Participants shared personal experiences about the impact of disinformation on communities, from difficulties in communicating with parents and students to local mayors facing rumors that undermined their work. Conversations were held in Russian, reflecting respect for the region’s ethnic diversity and helping foster a sense of inclusiveness.

Speakers highlighted how manipulation thrives on low trust in institutions and the instrumentalization of ethnic factors in politics. They stressed that the most effective response is not chasing every fake but showing tangible results—such as improved services and transparent governance. Libraries, schools, and cultural institutions were seen as vital “bridges of trust” between authorities and citizens, especially in polarized communities.

Experts noted the scale of online manipulation, with thousands of videos and coordinated comments flooding social media each month. TikTok, in particular, was identified as a platform shaping political preferences among youth.

The roundtable concluded with a call for unity, transparency, and regular dialogue between authorities and citizens. Participants agreed that continuing such meetings will be key for building resilience against disinformation and strengthening trust in Moldova’s democratic process.