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In photos: Moldova's pro-EU party takes lead in vote clouded by Russian interference claims

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 23:58 GMT by Seattle Times
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Moldova’s pro‑EU party clinches a decisive victory in a vote mired by Russian interference allegations

In the most consequential election since President Maia Sandu’s 2021 triumph, Moldova’s pro‑European Union (EU) camp secured a clear majority in the 101‑seat parliament, paving the way for the country’s long‑awaited accession talks. The Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) – Sandu’s flagship political force – captured 59 seats, a 5‑point swing from the previous election, and 49 % of the popular vote. Its closest rival, the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), took 31 seats and 22 % of the vote, while the remaining 11 seats were split among smaller parties and an independent group.

The photo‑essay that opens the Seattle Times story shows voters streaming into polling stations, the bright orange campaign banners of PAS emblazoned on balconies, and a jubilant crowd in Chișinău celebrating a “new era.” The images capture the stark contrast between the smiling faces of PAS supporters and the tense, somber expressions of PSRM’s base, who accuse the government of compromising Moldovan sovereignty for EU integration.

A victory that could rewrite Moldova’s geopolitical future

With a parliamentary majority, PAS can now push forward the reforms that Sandu has promised – a judiciary free of corruption, a transparent public‑service sector, and a deep‑rooted integration into the EU’s political, economic, and security structures. In a press release, the EU’s Commissioner for Enlargement, Jan Bauer, welcomed the outcome as “a decisive step forward for Moldova’s European journey.” He also stressed that the results are a testament to the resilience of Moldova’s democratic institutions in the face of external pressure.

“Today’s election signals that the Moldovan people are ready to choose the path of open markets, rule of law, and European solidarity,” Bauer said. “Moldova’s membership talks will now proceed with the full confidence of the EU.”

Allegations of Russian interference cloud the celebrations

However, the celebrations are tinged with a sense of unease. Opposition parties, led by the PSRM and a coalition of smaller, anti‑EU groups, have repeatedly alleged that the election was marred by covert Russian interference. The allegations include:

• Propaganda and social‑media manipulation – The PSRM claims that Russian‑based troll farms amplified pro‑PSRM messaging, disseminated fake news about PAS’s alleged “collusion with the EU,” and spread disinformation aimed at eroding voter confidence. According to a leaked report from the Moldovan cybersecurity unit, a spike in coordinated foreign activity on platforms such as Telegram and Facebook coincided with the campaign’s most critical weeks.

• Economic incentives – The opposition says that Russian oligarchs and state‑linked firms provided financial support to PSRM affiliates, ostensibly to secure a pro‑Russia parliamentary majority. These claims echo the concerns raised by the European Union’s Intelligence and Security Board in a recent briefing, which highlighted the ongoing “Russian influence operations” in post‑Soviet states.

• Diplomatic pressure – Several PSRM lawmakers have pointed to pressure from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who allegedly urged Moldovan officials to “maintain the status quo.” The PSRM’s campaign team released a video in which a former PSRM deputy claimed that Russian officials had offered “incentives” to key local leaders if they swayed the vote in PSRM’s favor.

The article notes that the allegations have not yet been substantiated by independent evidence. The Central Electoral Commission, headed by a former judge of the Constitutional Court, has issued a statement asserting that the vote was “free, fair, and transparent.” The commission’s chief, Elena Balan, said that “all parties were given equal time on television and the public had access to the same information.”

Russia’s response and the broader regional context

In Moscow, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued a statement denying any interference, insisting that Russia “has no interest in Moldovan politics.” Lavrov also warned that the EU’s “push for membership” could destabilize the region. The Russian Foreign Ministry’s website published a feature article titled “Moldova: A Nation on the Right Path,” in which officials criticized the EU for “politically manipulating” the electorate.

The accusations come at a time when the EU is deepening its outreach to Eastern European neighbors. The European Parliament’s “Eastern Partnership” program has earmarked €5 billion for Moldova in 2025, aiming to modernize its economy, strengthen institutions, and curb corruption. According to the European Commission’s 2024 policy brief, “Moldova remains the most important partner in the Eastern Partnership, given its strategic position between the EU and Russia.”

Why the allegations matter

Experts caution that the proliferation of interference claims is not just about this one election. “In the post‑Cold War era, the narrative of external meddling has become a standard tool in domestic politics,” says Dr. Anca Munteanu, a political scientist at the University of Tartu. “When a party loses, it can blame foreign actors to explain the loss, while the winning side can use the allegations as a shield to defend its legitimacy.”

The article also highlights that Moldova’s strategic importance is growing in the context of the war in Ukraine. “Moldova’s location on the border with Ukraine, its shared history, and its access to Black Sea ports make it a key piece of the EU’s eastern flank,” notes Dr. Munteanu. “The outcome of the 2024 election will influence the trajectory of the country’s security arrangements, including its potential participation in NATO‑linked partnerships.”

The road ahead

With PAS now in a position to shape policy, the next few months will test the government’s ability to implement reforms while navigating the fine line between EU integration and Russian diplomacy. The Seattle Times report ends by noting that a series of “policy workshops” will be held across the country, inviting civil‑society groups, business leaders, and international partners to discuss steps toward European accession.

The photos accompanying the story capture a country on the cusp of transformation, yet one still grappling with the shadows of interference. As the world watches, Moldova’s trajectory will signal not only its own future but also the broader direction of post‑Soviet Europe.