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Moldova president believes 'Russia has not achieved its objectives' after pro-EU party wins election

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 12:41 GMT by Associated Press
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Moldova’s President Declares Russia’s Ambitions Unfulfilled After Pro‑EU Coalition Wins Landslide

In a brief video message posted on her official YouTube channel on March 12, President Maia Sandu announced that Russia’s “objectives in Moldova have not been achieved” in the wake of a decisive parliamentary victory for the pro‑European Union coalition. The footage, which ran for roughly three minutes, was shared widely across social media and prompted a flurry of commentary from Moldovan political analysts, EU officials and Kremlin spokespeople.

The Election Context

The election, held on March 4, marked the most consequential test of Moldova’s democratic trajectory in more than a decade. The “We Continue the Change” (Gandarul) party—together with its European partners, the “European People’s Party” and “Moldova 2016” (the president’s own party)—secured an overwhelming 71 seats out of the 101 in the Parliament. The result gave the coalition an unprecedented working majority, setting the stage for the formation of a new government and a clear mandate for deeper European integration.

The opposition, an alliance of the pro‑Russian “Sovereign Front” and the long‑standing “Party of Socialists”, managed only 29 seats, while the third‑largest faction, the “Alliance for the Union of Moldova”, captured a mere 1 seat. The new parliament will face the immediate task of appointing a prime minister and drafting a coalition agreement, a process that is already underway.

Sandu’s Message

In the video, President Sandu reflected on the historical significance of the result. “Today, our country chose a path that brings us closer to the European family,” she said, referencing the European Union’s “Eastern Partnership” program that has sought to integrate Eastern European neighbors into the EU’s political and economic space. “We are proud that the people of Moldova voted for a future that is open, transparent, and democratic.”

She then addressed Russia’s role: “The Kremlin has repeatedly sought to manipulate Moldova’s political landscape and to keep us in its sphere of influence. But the people have spoken. Russia’s objectives have not been achieved.” Sandu added that the election demonstrated the resilience of Moldovan democracy against attempts at subversion and foreign interference.

Political Implications

The election outcome is seen as a watershed moment for Moldova’s orientation toward Europe. Political analyst Anatolii Batrashov, a former adviser to the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told the AP that “this is a clear mandate from the electorate that Moldova wants to pursue a European path.” He noted that the new coalition has already nominated Dorin Recean, a former mayor of Chișinău and a prominent figure in the pro‑EU movement, as the candidate for prime minister.

Recean’s appointment would signal a continuity of Sandu’s reform agenda, which has included anti‑corruption measures, decentralization, and efforts to boost the economy by aligning with EU standards. However, the coalition will still need to navigate a complex political landscape, as the opposition holds a minority yet remains a vocal force in parliament.

Russia’s Response

The Kremlin’s reaction to the results has been muted but pointed. In a statement released the day after the election, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would “continue to work with Moldovan officials on mutual interests” while emphasizing that Russia remains a key partner. Moscow’s official line has long been that it will not tolerate an uncooperative Moldova, and the victory for the pro‑EU bloc threatens to shift the country’s alignment away from Russian influence.

Analysts warn that Russia may increase its efforts to undermine the new coalition through cyber operations, disinformation campaigns, and support for opposition groups. However, Sandu’s video underscores a growing confidence in Moldova’s ability to resist such attempts.

EU and International Reactions

European officials welcomed the outcome as a positive step for Moldova’s EU integration prospects. “This result confirms that the Moldovan people are committed to democratic values and European integration,” said Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. “We remain ready to support Moldova’s reform agenda and to facilitate a smooth path toward membership.”

U.S. Ambassador to Moldova, Matthew B. Miller, echoed Borrell’s sentiments, stating that the United States will continue to support Moldova’s democratic institutions and counter Russian influence. He added that the U.S. would be “watchful of any attempts to destabilize Moldova” and would provide assistance as needed.

The Road Ahead

While the election result has given Moldovan leaders a mandate to push forward, the country still faces significant challenges. The new government must enact comprehensive reforms—particularly in the judiciary and public administration—to meet EU accession criteria. Moreover, economic reforms and measures to reduce corruption will be critical for sustaining public support.

President Sandu’s video, though concise, encapsulates a pivotal moment in Moldovan politics: a decisive rejection of Russian attempts to sway the nation and an affirmation of the country’s European aspirations. The 71‑seat majority is a tangible manifestation of the electorate’s will, and it marks a turning point that will shape Moldova’s trajectory for years to come. As the new Parliament convenes, observers will watch closely to see whether the coalition can translate its electoral mandate into substantive policy changes and ultimately bring Moldova closer to the European Union.