What path will Moldova take after the elections?
The Republic of Moldova will hold parliamentary elections on 28 September. 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 during 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.
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.”