Decisive parliamentary elections in Moldova
The Republic of Moldova will hold parliamentary elections on Sunday. The pro-European PAS party led by President Maia Sandu has been at the helm of this country of 2.6 million inhabitants over the past four years. Sandu and her party have warned repeatedly in the election campaign that Russia may try to influence the vote. Commentators see the people of Moldova facing a choice between Europe and Russian paternalism.
Current government crucial for Kyiv
Contributors republishes a commentary from the Ukrainian newspaper European Pravda:
“It should be noted that the majority of those citizens who plan to vote against the government are not necessarily pro-Russian. ... The current government is not perfect. ... There are serious allegations according to which the [ruling] PAS party has hijacked the pro-European ideology and left pro-European voters with practically no possibility to vote for other parties. Nevertheless, keeping the PAS government in power is crucial for Ukraine. ... The Moldovan government has repeatedly emphasised that in the war against Russia Ukraine and its armed forces are also fighting to preserve Moldova's independence.”
Far more than a few drones
Upsala Nya Tidning draws a link between the elections in Moldova and the drone sightings:
“Vladimir Putin is defying all 'Western logic' by directing his aggression elsewhere, because he cannot force Ukraine to surrender. ... Hybrid threats and violations against the Nordic countries, the Baltic states and Poland are one thing; they are not particularly costly. But according to the Moldovan government, Russia is now investing billions to achieve the 'right' result in Sunday's elections. ... More and more Nato countries, including Sweden, are considering attacking Russian aircraft that violate their territory and are receiving support from Donald Trump in this regard. This is what Putin wants to test here. For now, however, it is the Republic of Moldova that is at risk.”
Danger of a second front against Ukraine
A victory for the pro-Russian forces in the Moldovan elections would pose a major risk for Ukraine, warns political scientist Olexiy Holobuzky in a Facebook post republished by Glavkom:
“Pro-Russian neighbours like Hungary and Slovakia don't really represent a direct threat to us - apart from economic problems and difficulties with regard to cooperation with the EU and Nato. But if the Russians take control of Moldova, as they have done through the [ruling party] Georgian Dream in Georgia, this would pretty much guarantee that we face a second front from the Odessa region.”
Resist the pseudo-Europeans!
Voters face the difficult task of distinguishing genuine pro-European politicians in the country from imposters, Agora.md explains:
“The influence of pseudo-Europeans in the parliamentary elections on 28 September is considerable. Should they come to power, it could have serious consequences for Moldova's European course. They could sabotage relations with the EU and create confusion among pro-European voters. ... Moreover, there is a risk that the pseudo-Europeans could be used by hostile actors, especially Russia, to undermine the path to Europe from within, under the guise of pro-European legitimacy.”
Moscow has a hand in this
The Kremlin is plotting to manipulate the election, G4Media.ro warns:
“Part of Russia's plan is to create the impression that this is a fair election while at the same time weakening support for Maia Sandu. An intensive campaign of messages is underway on Telegram, TikTok and Facebook, accusing Sandu of being a 'puppet of the West', and of pushing the country towards poverty and war. ... The plan also calls for violent protests on election day and afterwards to contest the election results and demand Maia Sandu's resignation. ... This suggests a period of great tension in the country, with potentially serious implications for the security of the entire region.”
Europe's ability to act put to the test
MEP Liudas Mažylis calls on Brussels to fulfil its obligations:
“Europe's responsibility is to support the country not with empty promises but with structural support, a clear roadmap for accession and decisive action against hybrid threats. September 28th could mark a turning point: will Europe resist Moscow's influence in its immediate neighbourhood? Or will another 'grey zone' emerge where democracy is merely imitated? Moldova is not only testing its hopes for a pro-European future - it is also testing Europe's ability to act when its opponent behaves ruthlessly and cynically.”