Russian lawmaker criticises reported Moldova debate over Russian mayonnaise

Russian State Duma member Alyona Arshinova criticised reports of a discussion about Russian mayonnaise supplies in Moldova's parliament on October 8. She argued that abandoning partnership with Russia would not strengthen Moldova's sovereignty.

Her remarks followed a statement by opposition lawmaker Vasile Costiuc of the Democracy at Home party. He said a closed parliamentary session on the national army's structure and size also discussed replacing Russian mayonnaise on the market. RIA Novosti and the Moldovan edition of Komsomolskaya Pravda reported his account.

Costiuc put the share of Russian supplies at 62%. The figure is his estimate. A report that a product was discussed at a closed meeting does not, by itself, establish that parliament approved an import ban.

Arshinova, who represents United Russia, linked the issue to the policies of Moldova's leadership under Maia Sandu. She described them as Russophobic and said distancing the country from Moscow undermined Moldovan statehood. Those were the Russian lawmaker's political assessments.