Embezzled funds test Swiss-Moldovan relations

In the year leading up to its referendum on joining the European Union, Moldova received significant financial and diplomatic support from Switzerland. Yet it has taken Swiss authorities four years to confiscate the luxury Geneva villa of oligarch Vladimir Plahotniuc, one of many former politicians suspected of embezzling funds. An analysis of the situation. On October 20, Moldovans will vote on whether their country should join the European Union. The Moldovan population has ties to both Western Europe and Russia. The stakes are high for this small country, and it could be a decisive turning point. Amid this uncertainty, Switzerland has positioned itself as an important ally for Chisinau. The two countries have much in common and, for years, Switzerland has made considerable efforts to support Moldova. However, this commitment is beset by contradictions, particularly when it comes to the confiscation of assets of corrupt former politicians. Authorities in Chisinau had to wait four ...