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This weekend’s election in Moldova was a success for the ruling party Partidul Acțiune și Solidaritate (PAS). Beforehand, there was great uncertainty as to whether the ruling party would gain renewed confidence or whether the opposition, which is largely made up of various parties supported by Russia, would win. Russia’s attempts to influence the election have been documented. Nevertheless, the incumbent ruling party won with over 50% of the vote. Moldova has thus taken a long step towards EU membership.

Russian-friendly parties and a Trojan horse

Apart from PAS, there is one party that cannot be described as Russian-friendly. This is Partidul Democrația Acasă (PPDA). This party is working for reunification with Romania. Alternativa is a new party that presents itself as EU friendly. However, the ruling party PAS claims that the party is a Trojan horse. They claim that the party is actually pro-Russian, but say they are pro-EU in order to increase their support.

PAS suffered a slight setback compared with the last general election. The party received more support than the polls indicated. Russia is said to have paid voters large sums of money to vote for the Russian-friendly parties.

Referendum on a step towards the EU or Russia

The election in Moldova is in many ways a referendum. The question was which step Moldova should take. Towards the EU or Russia. The voice of the people is crystal clear. The people chose a step towards the EU. This is also a victory for Moldova’s support for Ukraine.

The election is also a slap in the face for Putin. Russia’s hopes of turning an EU and Ukraine friendly country did not succeed. Russia’s use of millions in support for pro-Russian parties was not enough. Russia does not allow foreign support for political parties or media in Russia. They are then labeled as foreign agents. Russia itself makes extensive use of support for pro-Russian forces around the world. This is what we refer to as double standards. Moldova’s path to the EU is open.

Sources:

Aljazeera: Moldova’s pro-EU party wins election hit by Russian interference claims

The Guardian: Moldova’s election result bolsters move towards EU and away from Moscow

Wikipedia: 2025 Moldovan parliamentary election

Wikipedia: Party of Action and Solidarity

Politico: Russia spending hundreds of millions to buy Moldova’s election, president warns