Elections under Russian pressure, fraud accusations and European hopes
With more than 99.5% of ballots counted, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) of President Maia Sandusecured 50.03% of the vote, far ahead of the pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc led by former President Igor Dodon, which reached only 24.26%.
The outcome confirms Moldova’s European orientation but also highlights the fragility of a majority expected to hold 55 seats out of 101, down from the 63 seats in the outgoing parliament.
Moscow’s interference and disinformation
The election campaign was marked by accusations of Russian disinformation, vote buying, and destabilization attempts. Moldovan authorities claimed the Kremlin spent hundreds of millions in illicit funds to influence the outcome.
In Transnistria, local authorities accused Chisinau of restricting the vote, while prosecutors carried out hundreds of searches and arrested dozens over alleged electoral corruption.
European leaders welcome the result
The European Union and several Western leaders hailed the outcome as a European turning point for Moldova.
- Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative, called it “a clear yes to a European future.”
- Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Moldova’s “freedom and sovereignty project.”
- Antonio Costa, European Council president, stressed that “the people have chosen democracy and reforms.”
- Donald Tusk, Poland’s prime minister, praised the Moldovan people’s courage, calling it “a lesson for all of Europe.”
Sandu’s upcoming challenges
According to analyst Andrei Curararu (WatchDog.md), Moldova’s situation remains delicate:
“PAS has a fragile majority and the Kremlin will not give up easily. We may see protests or attempts to bribe MPs.”
Sandu must now form a stable, pro-European government, continue reforms, resist Russian interference, and strengthen ties with Brussels.
Opposition claims victory
Former President Igor Dodon contested the results, arguing that “the opposition won with 49.54% overall.” He called on pro-Russian parties to unite in forming a parliamentary majority, claiming PAS had “lost the election.”