Defying Moscow: Moldova’s pro-EU party secures shock win amid interference claims

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Ruta Deshpande
Ruta Deshpande
Ruta Deshpande is a seasoned Defense Technology Analyst with a strong focus on cutting-edge military innovations and strategic defense systems. With a deep-rooted interest in geopolitics and international relations, she brings nuanced insights into the intersection of technology, diplomacy, and global security. Ruta has reported extensively on defense modernization, space militarization, and evolving Indo-Pacific dynamics. As a journalist, she has contributed sharp, well-researched pieces to Deftechtimes, a reputed defense and strategy publication. Her analytical writing reflects a strong grasp of global military doctrines and regional conflict zones. Ruta has a particular interest in the Arctic race, cyber warfare capabilities, and unmanned combat systems. She is known for breaking down complex defense narratives into accessible, compelling stories. Her background includes collaborations with think tanks and participation in strategic dialogue forums.

The pro-European Union Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) in Moldova has won a decisive victory in the country’s parliamentary elections held on Sunday, September 28, 2025. With nearly all polling stations reporting, electoral data showed that PAS secured 50.1% of the votes. By comparison, the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc received 24.2%, followed by the Russia-friendly Alternativa Bloc and the populist Our Party.

Pro-European Party Secures Clear Majority

The election was widely seen as a clear choice between pro-European and pro-Russian forces in Moldova. Analysts noted that the outcome could significantly shape the country’s political direction for years. PAS, which has been in government, now appears poised to control a majority of the 101 seats in the Moldovan Parliament.

Following the election, Moldova’s President will nominate a Prime Minister, usually from the leading party or coalition. The proposed government must then gain parliamentary approval before officially taking office. Given PAS’s strong showing, observers expect the nomination process to proceed smoothly without significant political obstacles.

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Voter turnout played an important role in PAS’s victory. Reports indicate that a significant portion of Moldova’s electorate, particularly younger voters and urban populations, actively supported the pro-European party. Analysts emphasized that these voters were motivated by Moldova’s recent EU candidate status and the desire to maintain closer ties with Western institutions.

Russian Interference Allegations Cast Shadow on Moldova Vote

In the lead-up to the election, Moldovan authorities raised serious concerns over alleged Russian interference. Prime Minister Dorin Recean stated that Russia had invested “hundreds of millions” of euros in what he called a “hybrid war” aimed at influencing the outcome of Moldova’s parliamentary elections and shaping the country’s political future.

According to Moldovan officials, the alleged interference involved multiple strategies. Authorities reported a large-scale vote-buying campaign targeting citizens, cyberattacks on key government systems, and efforts to provoke mass protests around the election period. In addition, a sprawling online disinformation campaign reportedly sought to reduce support for PAS while promoting Moscow-friendly parties.

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Russia has consistently denied these allegations. Last week, Russian authorities described the claims as “anti-Russian” and “unsubstantiated.” Despite the tense environment, Moldova’s election proceeded largely without disruption. International observers monitored the voting process and confirmed that the elections were conducted under standard procedures. The final results demonstrated strong support for PAS among Moldovan voters who favor continued integration with the European Union.

Analysts highlighted that Moldova’s election was not only a domestic political event but also a test of how the country withstands external pressure. The vote underscored the resilience of Moldovan institutions and the electorate’s preference for a pro-European trajectory despite foreign interference concerns.

Strategic Geopolitical Position of Moldova

Moldova is a landlocked nation in Eastern Europe, bordered by Ukraine to the east and Romania, a European Union member, to the west. With a population of about 2.5 million people, Moldova has steadily pursued a western-oriented path in recent years. In 2022, Moldova achieved EU candidate status, a milestone that came shortly after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the country’s geopolitical significance.

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The parliamentary election illustrates the continued influence of geopolitical dynamics in Moldova. Analysts emphasized that the vote reflected a choice between maintaining alignment with the European Union or leaning toward Russia’s sphere of influence. PAS’s victory signals strong public support for Moldova’s pro-European policies, while the opposition, composed of pro-Russian parties, failed to gain enough support to challenge the government’s majority.

Sunday’s election results drew attention not only within Moldova but also across Europe, underscoring the country’s role as a pivotal political and strategic point between East and West. Moldova’s electorate demonstrated a preference for continuity in the country’s westward trajectory, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to European integration amid regional tensions.

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