Short Article
Parliamentary Elections in the Republic of Moldova “Yes” to Europe

Copyright: Plettenberg

Pro-European Forces Claim Decisive Victory

Re-elected in 2024, the pro-European President Maia Sandu — winner of the 2025 Franz Josef Strauss Prize from the HSS — emphasised the historic significance of the moment on election day:
‘Russia poses a danger to our democracies. Our democracy is young and fragile, but that does not mean that older democracies are safe. We want to live in a democracy. Today, the future of our democracy lies in the hands of Moldovans’.

In her address, she warned by pointing to the example of Georgia, which she said had ‘once again become a Russian colony’.

The people of the Republic of Moldovaresponded unequivocally: they granted the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) - and thus Maia Sandu - an absolute majority of 50.2 per cent — providing a clear mandate to anchor the country in Europe.

PAS secured 55 of the 101 parliamentary seats, maintaining the comfortable absolute majority it has held since 2021,and will be able to continue governing alone. Although polls had not predicted such a strong result, PAS had hoped for it, given the lack of potential pro-European coalition partners.

In contrast, a variety of pro-Russian forces had formed — most notably the Patriotic Bloc (BEP), an alliance of Soviet-nostalgic parties led by former president Igor Dodon. The bloc received a surprisingly low 24.2 per cent of the votes — suffering a crushing defeat. Dodon, a close ally of Moscow and Sandu’s opponent in the 2020 presidential election, repeatedly labelled the incumbent government as a ‘criminal regime’ during the campaign Even on election day, he falsely claimed that Moldovans abroad had “stolen” the victory from the opposition and that PAS had not actually won a majority within the country.

In addition to two smaller non-pro-European parties, the clearly pro-Russian alliance Alternativa also entered parliament, having received 8.0 percent of the vote. Prominent figures in this group include Ion Ceban, the mayor of the capital Chișinău, , and Sandu’s former presidential rival Alexandr Stoianoglo.

Social Divisions and Russia’s Leverage

The election campaign was not only harsh in tone but also fought unfairly. Before the vote, Moscow had intensified its propaganda campaigns, using disinformation and alternative narratives to undermine trust in the pro-European government.

Shortly before election eay, Russia’s foreign intelligence service (SVR) spread the unfounded claim that NATO was planning to invade Moldova. Mass amounts of pro-Russian narratives and baseless accusations of election fraud circulated on social media — often spread through AI-generated accounts and coordinated networks. The EU was portrayed as incompatible with conservative values, and absurd images of “decadent” European societies were promoted.

Russia’s strategic goal is clear: to sow long-term uncertainty, influence public opinion, and derail Moldova’s progress towards the EU. Security authorities reported an unprecedented number of Russian attempts to buy votes, spread AI-generated disinformation, and even organise unrest. On 23 September, 74 people were arrested in Moldova on suspicion of having received training in Serbia under Russian intelligence supervision to carry out violent acts and cause unrest ahead of the election.

However, the government has also been criticised — particularly for significantly increasing the number of polling stations in EU countries while drastically reducing the number in Russia, which makes voting more difficult there. Only twelve polling stations were opened for citizens from the mostly pro-Russian region of Transnistria, — compared to 41 in the previous elections. The Socialists accused PAS of restricting the voting rights of Moldovans from Transnistria.

Furthermore, shortly before the election, two pro-Russian parties were banned after the electoral commission accused them of illegal campaign financing. When it comes to fighting (pro-)Russian propaganda media, the lack of evidence of legal funding sources is often the most effective lever.

The PAS party, led by Maia Sandu (pictured), recipient of the recently awarded Franz Josef Strauß Prize from the Hanns Seidel Foundation and President of the Republic of Moldova, has won the parliamentary elections. This secures the country’s pro-European course for the coming years.

Copyright: Plettenberg

 Election Result is a Vote of Confidence

The fact that up to 30 per cent of voters were still undecided just days before the election shows how uncertain many Moldovans felt. Many votes are, in a sense, “borrowed votes” — a second chance, accompanied by a strong element of trust.

The PAS government must improve the country’s economic situation. Doing so could help reduce social divisions. However, additional measures are needed to promote unity and bridge linguistic divides.

The key will be to tackle the major parts of the reform agenda. Judicial reform remains the most crucial building block in preparingthe country for Europe. The goal is to dismantle the corrupt networks and practices of the post-communist era that still linger as a legacy of Soviettimes. So far, the government’s reform efforts have largely failed, leading to widespread frustration.

In order to succeed, Moldova will require not only political will but also stable majorities and time. PAS now has both — and must use the momentum of its electoral victory.

Meanwhile, Moscow will not take its eyes off the Republic of Moldova and will continue working to place obstacles in the country’s path towards Europe — and towards freedom and prosperity.

30.09.2025