Moldova addresses Russian election plans, grain licensing, and tobacco smuggling

Moldova's Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized Russia's intention to open unauthorized polling stations in Transnistria for upcoming elections, calling the move an unacceptable violation of sovereignty.

Domestically, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan announced plans to temporarily reintroduce grain import licensing through October 31 to safeguard local farmers against market instability.

In public safety and health, law enforcement seized nearly 1.9 million contraband cigarettes during anti-smuggling searches in northern Moldova. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Education launched an awareness campaign regarding youth nicotine pouch consumption. The initiative coincides with investigative reports alleging Philip Morris attempted to introduce nicotine pouches to the local market before an upcoming legal ban takes effect.

Sources: HotNews, Moldova1, Newsmaker, Point, Ziarul de Gardă.