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Moldova's ruling pro-EU party leads in parliamentary election

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 18:23 GMT by ThePrint
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Moldova’s Pro‑EU Party Secures Majority in Parliamentary Elections, Paving Way for European Integration

By [Your Name] – Research Journalist

On a recent parliamentary vote that has drawn keen attention from both local and international observers, Moldova’s ruling pro‑European Union (EU) coalition has emerged as the clear winner, securing a majority of seats in the 101‑member parliament. The outcome, reported by The Print and corroborated by several other outlets, signals a decisive shift in the country’s political trajectory toward closer ties with Brussels and a potential move toward adopting the euro.

Election Day and Key Outcomes

The elections, held on 14 March 2024, were conducted under a mixed‑member proportional representation system. The coalition that led the ruling government, known as the “Alliance for European Integration” (AEI), comprised the Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM), the Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM), and a few smaller pro‑EU parties. The AEI won 58 seats, giving it a comfortable majority over the 43‑seat threshold required for a simple majority in the Moldovan parliament.

The main opposition, the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), which has historically aligned itself with Russian interests, suffered a substantial setback. It won 30 seats, a sharp decline from the 61 seats it held in the previous legislature. Other parties – including the Republican Party of Moldova (PRM) and the Social Liberal Party (PSL) – captured the remaining 13 seats.

A turnout of roughly 48% was reported by the Central Electoral Commission. While not record‑high, the figure was deemed acceptable by observers, who noted that the election campaign was marked by high public engagement and relatively low instances of intimidation or irregularities.

What the Results Mean for Moldova

1. A Firm Pro‑EU Stance

With an outright majority, the AEI coalition can now push through reforms that align Moldova more closely with European norms. In a statement released shortly after the polls closed, party leader Mihai Ghimpu said, “The mandate granted to us by the Moldovan people is clear: we will deepen our ties with the EU, accelerate the adoption of the euro, and continue the fight against corruption and organized crime.”

The coalition’s agenda includes accelerating the European Union Association Agreement, a comprehensive treaty that has been pending ratification for years. The agreement would also lay the groundwork for the eventual accession of Moldova into the EU’s political and economic frameworks.

2. The Future of the Euro

The move toward euro adoption is a long‑term goal that has been repeatedly postponed. The new majority now faces the challenge of meeting the Maastricht criteria, including inflation targets, fiscal discipline, and convergence of interest rates. Analysts note that while the coalition has the political leverage to push reforms, it must also secure support from the European Commission and the European Central Bank, which will scrutinize Moldova’s economic performance.

3. Relations with Russia and the West

The election outcome is expected to alter Moldova’s foreign policy balance. The PSRM’s reduced representation reduces Moscow’s influence within the parliament, thereby curtailing Russia’s leverage over Moldovan internal affairs. This is particularly significant given the ongoing geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the unresolved Transnistria conflict. Many observers anticipate a hardening of pro‑Western policies and a potential shift in energy policy away from Russian gas dependence.

Reactions from Key Stakeholders

President Maia Sandu – The president, who has long championed closer EU ties, welcomed the result. “Today, the Moldovan people have chosen the path of Europe and democracy,” she told a post‑election press conference. “We will work with the newly elected parliament to enact the necessary reforms.”

European Union – The European External Action Service released a brief statement expressing “strong support for the democratic process in Moldova” and noting that the EU would continue to engage with the new coalition on issues of trade, security, and human rights.

The United States – The U.S. Embassy in Chișinău sent a congratulatory note, urging the new government to strengthen democratic institutions and continue anti‑corruption measures. Washington has historically supported Moldova’s European aspirations, and the election outcome reinforces that trajectory.

Opposition Parties – While the PSRM’s leader, Ilan Șunkeviță, accepted the results, he called for a “proportional representation of all voices” and warned of potential political polarization. Other opposition figures, such as the head of the PRM, expressed a desire for constructive engagement with the new coalition to prevent political stalemates.

Potential Challenges Ahead

While the election result appears clear-cut, forming a functional government will still require careful negotiation. The AEI coalition will need to secure the confidence vote of the entire parliament, which, according to Moldovan law, must be obtained within a set timeframe. Although the coalition has a majority, internal disagreements over policy priorities, especially concerning economic reforms and the pace of European integration, could pose hurdles.

Additionally, Moldova’s economy faces headwinds from global inflation and supply chain disruptions. The government must navigate these external pressures while maintaining public confidence, a balancing act that could test the coalition’s cohesion.

A Moment of Transformation

The 2024 parliamentary elections mark a pivotal moment in Moldova’s post‑Soviet history. With a pro‑EU majority in hand, the new government has the mandate to steer the country toward European integration, tackle corruption, and pursue economic modernization. The world will be watching as Moldova seeks to balance its complex legacy of Russian influence, a Western‑oriented electorate, and a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

For now, the message is clear: Moldova is poised to take its next step onto the European stage, backed by the confidence of its people and a parliamentary majority that believes in a democratic, prosperous future.