Moldovans vote in tense elections, with Russian interference

In Moldova, a tense parliamentary vote is taking place, where the choice is between integration with the European Union and returning under Russia’s influence. The country, with a population of about 2.5 million people, awaits the election results, which will ultimately determine the political course for the coming years.

The vote, held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, will elect a new parliament of 101 seats. After that, the country’s president will propose a candidate for prime minister, usually from the winning party or political bloc, which then needs to receive parliamentary approval.

Political Confrontations

In the elections, the pro-European party “Action and Solidarity” (PAS), which has held a parliamentary majority since 2021, is at high risk. Its opponents are several pro-Russian parties, but there are no viable pro-European partners among the opponents, creating uncertainty in the upcoming results.

Moldova, located between Ukraine and Romania, seeks closer ties with the West. Having received EU candidate status in 2022, the country has become more resilient to potential pressure from Moscow.

Pre-Election Concerns

A few days before the vote, Prime Minister Dorin Recean reported that Russia is spending millions of euros in a hybrid war to control the country. He described it as “the last battle for Moldova’s future.” Recean urged citizens to mobilize, understanding that Russia might intensify its actions.

There have been previous attempts to disrupt the electoral process, including cyberattacks on government structures and possible disinformation campaigns, which cast doubt on the viability of pro-European politicians.

Intelligence Measures

Ahead of the elections, authorities warned of possible fake bomb threats and other destabilizing actions. The police conducted several hundred operations, detaining dozens of suspects.

The Role of Migrants

The significant role of the Moldovan diaspora also plays an important part in the elections. In previous elections, a significant number of citizens abroad supported the PAS candidate, which could have influenced the final results.

Every year, the number of voters abroad grows, and many popular parties begin to lose support due to the internal situation in the country, including rising inflation and poverty levels, making the election outcome not so clear-cut. PAS support may fluctuate depending on voter turnout.

PAS Opponents

The main opponent of PAS is an electoral coalition aiming to “strengthen friendship with Russia” and declaring a neutral policy. They are joined by populists from the “Our” party.

According to the latest polls, PAS can still take first place in votes, although potential voter absenteeism creates additional risks for their leading positions. Turnout forecasts paint a grim picture, as parts of the electorate remain undecided in their preferences.

Iulian Groza, director of the Institute for European Policies and Reforms, notes that high turnout could increase PAS’s chances of gaining a parliamentary majority. However, the time leading up to the elections is interesting to see how internal and external challenges have affected electoral support.

Thus, this week’s political battle promises to be one of the most intense in Moldova’s history, defining both the complex internal situation and the country’s place on the international stage.