Pro-European Forces Secure Historic Mandate in Moldova
In a resounding rebuke to Moscow, Moldova’s pro-Western President Maia Sandu and her Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) are projected to retain a commanding parliamentary majority in the September 28, 2025 elections—a vote widely framed as a geopolitical showdown between the European Union and Russia.
President Maia Sandu celebrates with supporters following early projections of a pro-EU victory. (Credit: The New York Times)
Why This Election Matters
Sandwiched between Romania and war-torn Ukraine, Moldova has become a critical frontline in the struggle for influence between Brussels and the Kremlin. With just 2.6 million people, the country’s choice carries outsized symbolic weight—especially as Russia intensifies disinformation campaigns and energy coercion across Eastern Europe.
- EU Accession Talks: Moldova officially began accession negotiations with the EU in 2024
- Russian Pressure: Moscow cut gas supplies and amplified propaganda accusing Sandu of “selling out” Moldova
- Transnistria Flashpoint: Russian troops remain stationed in the breakaway region despite international calls for withdrawal
- Youth Mobilization: Record turnout among voters under 30, energized by anti-corruption and pro-EU messaging
Election Results Snapshot (Preliminary)
| Party | Leader | Projected Seats (out of 101) | Foreign Policy Stance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) | Maia Sandu | 58–62 | Pro-EU, anti-corruption, NATO partnership |
| Electoral Bloc of Communists and Socialists | Igor Dodon | 28–32 | Pro-Russia, opposes EU integration |
| Shor Party (banned but ran under proxy) | Ilhan Shor (in exile) | 8–10 | Kremlin-aligned, anti-EU |
| Others/Minor Parties | — | 0–3 | — |
What Comes Next?
With a renewed mandate, President Sandu is expected to accelerate:
- Full alignment with EU laws and standards (the acquis communautaire)
- Energy independence from Russian gas via Romanian interconnectors
- Security cooperation with EU and NATO, though full membership remains off the table
- Legal reforms to counter Russian hybrid threats, including cyber and financial influence
“The people of Moldova have chosen democracy over dictatorship, Europe over empire,” Sandu declared in her victory speech. “This is not just our win—it’s a message to every nation resisting authoritarianism.”
Russian state media downplayed the results, calling the vote “manipulated by Brussels,” while EU leaders hailed it as a “triumph of sovereignty.”
Geopolitical Ripple Effects
Moldova’s outcome could influence:
- Georgia: Where pro-EU parties face similar Russian interference ahead of 2026 elections
- Ukraine: Bolstering morale as Kyiv fights for its own EU future
- Balkans: Reinforcing the EU’s credibility as an anchor of stability
