Fifty-six MPs in Moldova’s Parliament voted to approve a draft law placing the Center for Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation under the president’s direct authority. The parliamentary opposition sharply criticized the initiative and called for the center’s dissolution.
Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) lawmaker Lilian Carp presented the draft in plenary. He explained that the center, currently known as the Center for Strategic Communication and Combating Disinformation, would be renamed and redirected to focus on prevention and public education. Its primary mission would be to reduce the impact of Disinformation and prevent its spread.
Carp said the changes aim to improve the coordination of public policies on information security and align internal and external policy efforts with the president’s constitutional responsibilities.
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Under the proposed legislation, the center’s director would be appointed and dismissed directly by the president, eliminating the current requirement for parliamentary involvement. The draft also envisions a revamped Advisory Council, whose decisions will be consultative.
The new council may include public officials, academics, communication and security experts, representatives of strategic partners, and other professionals with relevant expertise. Membership will be voluntary, and the council will offer recommendations and support in its competence areas.
The draft also revises and aligns key terms, such as “strategic communication,” “information manipulation actions,” and “foreign interference,” with European definitions. It introduces new terms, including “sensitive security information” and “societal resilience.”
In addition, the law would extend the validity of the Strategic Communication Concept until December 31, 2030. Originally approved for 2024–2028, the concept is part of the broader National Security Strategy for 2024–2030 and aims to strengthen Moldova’s national strategic framework and institutional response to Disinformation.
The draft must still pass a second reading to enter into force.