Moldovan deputy PM for reintegration says Tiraspol must come back down to earth, reality changed dramatically

Tiraspol must come back down to earth, because the reality has changed dramatically in recent times, says Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri. Today evening, he provided details about the tensions in negotiations with the Tiraspol regime and Chisinau’s strategy for the country’s reintegration, during the In Context talk show on the public television channel. The official criticized the intransigence of the breakaway representatives and stressed that the 5+2 negotiation format is “dead”, existing only on paper.

Debunking Falsehoods and the 5+2 Format

The deputy PM explained that one of the main goals of the today’s meeting in Tiraspol was to counter the false narrative promoted by the Transnistrian administration, according to which Chisinau supposedly has no negotiation mandate. Chiveri proposed signing a joint declaration, in order to clarify positions on sovereignty and territorial integrity, an initiative rejected by Tiraspol.

As for 5+2 format, the deputy prime minister was categorical, emphasizing that it has not produced results for years.

“Formally, this format exists only on paper. The dozens of meetings that have taken place in this format have only allowed for the maintenance of a dialogue, without concrete results on reintegration. Tiraspol’s desire to keep this format, actively supported by the Russian Federation, is clear: they want an international platform to promote their interests,” the official assessed.

Economic and Social Reintegration: The Convergence Fund

Valeriu Chiveri provided clarifications about the new Convergence Fund, rejecting accusations of an “economic blockade” coming from the left bank of Dniester. He pointed out that this instrument was meant to support citizens, not to punish the region.

“We countered Tiraspol’s narrative that the convergence funds are an element of economic blockade. The Fund is created precisely to support vulnerable groups and social and infrastructure projects, taking into account the situation in the region,” the deputy PM stressed.

As for infrastructure, the official noted that Moldova was ready to repair roads and bridges across the Dniester, but under one condition.

“We proposed repairing the roads and bridges over the Dniester on one simple condition: the illegal posts that are set along the administrative line must be removed,” stated Valeriu Chiveri.

Education and the “False Trilingualism”

Another hot topic was the one of Romanian-language schools and the linguistic situation in the region. Chiveri dismantled the “trilingualism” thesis promoted by Vitali Ignatiev, Tiraspol’s representative, presenting data that show a reality dominated by Russification.

“Ninety-eight percent of the public space in the Transnistrian region is dominated by the Russian language, while Moldovans are the largest ethnic group (over 40 per cent), and together with Ukrainians make up around 70 per cent of the population. Our arguments lead us to believe that we have the prospect of resolving the education issue within a foreseeable period,” Chiveri said.

Message to Tiraspol: “The Situation Has Changed Dramatically”

At the end of his intervention, the deputy prime minister sent a direct message to the Tiraspol leaders, warning them that the time of the status quo had expired and that dependence on “external sponsors” can no longer ignore the reality on the ground.

“I called on the political representative in Tiraspol to come back down to earth, to realize that the situation in which the region finds itself today is not the same as 10 or 20 years ago. The situation has changed dramatically, and the intransigence with which they defend their status quo may not last much longer in the very near future,” Valeriu Chiveri warned.

Regarding the recent decision to declare more commanders of the Russian troops (GOTR) undesirable, Chiveri welcomed the firmness of state institutions.

“The fact that this decision was adopted proves the very serious approach of the authorities regarding the need to withdraw the Russian military forces illegally stationed on the territory of our country,” the deputy prime minister for reintegration underlined.

At the same time, Valeriu Chiveri emphasized that the negotiation process must continue, despite the difficulties.

“This dialogue can continue and must continue. We have no other options. Only through discussions, can we resolve and reach a consensus for settling the conflict on the basis of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the official concluded.

The today’s dialogue comes after the resumption of the 1+1 format in February 2026, following a break of more than one year. The reintegration process is taking place in a complex context, also marked by the withdrawal of the citizenship of  Moldova from more individuals of the secessionist administration, a decision signed by President Maia Sandu in last February. Chisinau remains firm in its position that the settlement of the dispute can be achieved exclusively through dialogue and practical measures for the benefit of citizens.

The 1+1 format in the Transnistrian settlement involves direct talks between the chief negotiators on behalf of Chisinau and Tiraspol. This dialogue aims to solve current problems, including social, economic and educational aspects.