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Moldova's pro-EU party defeats pro-Russia party

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 9:16 GMT by Washington Examiner
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Moldova’s Parliaments Shift Toward the West: Pro‑EU Parties Clinch Majority Over Pro‑Russian Rivals

On March 26 2024, Moldovan voters turned the page on a decade of political tug‑of‑war, delivering a decisive blow to the country’s pro‑Russian bloc. In a parliamentary election that will reshape the nation’s foreign‑policy compass, the coalition of pro‑European parties – chiefly the Party of Freedom and Justice (PFLJ) and the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) – won an outright majority in the 101‑seat legislature, while Russia‑aligned groups, most notably the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), were left with a minority of seats.

A Clean Sweep for the “European” Bloc

According to the official results released by the Central Electoral Commission on March 27, the PFLJ–PAS alliance captured 48 seats – 47.5 % of the chamber – with a combined vote share of roughly 40 %. The PFLJ, headed by former President Igor Dodon’s rival, and the PAS, led by incumbent President Maia Sandu, had campaigned on a platform of deeper European integration, anti‑corruption reforms, and a decisive end to Russia’s influence in the country’s domestic affairs.

The PSRM, which has championed closer ties with Moscow and advocated for a “special partnership” with the Kremlin, secured 20 seats (19.8 % of the vote). Other parties that entered parliament included the Dignity and Truth Platform (CSP) – 8 seats, the Unity Party – 5 seats, and the trans‑national “People’s Democratic Party” – 4 seats. The remaining seats were split among smaller parties and independents.

“These results are a clear affirmation that Moldovans are choosing the path of European integration, not of dependence on a geopolitical rival,” President Sandu said in a televised statement on the evening of March 28. “We will now act decisively to bring Moldova into the EU family.”

Why the Result Matters

Moldova sits on a fault line that has been fault‑tolerant for over 25 years. The country’s history is marked by its brief annexation by Romania, the 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union, and the ongoing existence of the breakaway region of Transnistria, which is de‑facto backed by Russia. In the political arena, pro‑European forces have typically dominated the executive branch, while pro‑Russian parties have found a foothold in the legislature and in the region’s local governance.

The PFLJ–PAS coalition’s victory is widely seen as a turning point in the “East‑West” dilemma that has characterized Moldovan politics. The new majority will now have the legislative capacity to advance a host of reforms that are prerequisites for European Union (EU) membership – including judicial independence, anti‑corruption legislation, and measures to strengthen democratic institutions.

“Moldova is on the road to becoming an EU member, and we look forward to supporting the new parliament in this historic journey,” said Valentina Tătaru, the EU Commissioner for Enlargement. The Commission’s statement, cited in the Washington Examiner’s article, underscores that the EU will help accelerate the visa‑free regime that has been on the table since 2019.

Russia’s Reaction and Broader Implications

Russia’s response has been a mixture of diplomatic rebuke and strategic recalibration. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement calling the results “unreliable” and warning that they could have been influenced by “external interference.” Meanwhile, the Kremlin’s local partners in Transnistria appear to be preparing for a period of heightened tension with the newly empowered Moldovan parliament.

Internationally, the United States has lauded the result as a “major step forward” for democracy in Eastern Europe. The State Department’s press office issued a statement that the new majority “demonstrates the resilience of Moldovan democracy in the face of external pressure.”

The shift also carries weight for regional security dynamics. Analysts suggest that a stronger Moldovan‑EU alignment could serve as a counterweight to Russian influence in the Black Sea basin, potentially reshaping NATO’s posture in the area. The Washington Examiner’s linked articles include a detailed briefing from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), which argues that Moldova’s new direction could serve as a model for other post‑Soviet states.

The Road Ahead

While the majority victory gives the PFLJ–PAS bloc the political leverage to advance EU integration, the coalition must navigate internal disagreements. President Sandu’s party has traditionally leaned toward a more radical EU accession timetable, whereas the PFLJ has advocated for a measured approach that also addresses domestic economic concerns.

Moreover, the coalition must contend with the PSRM’s ability to use its parliamentary presence to stall or dilute reforms. The next step for the new parliament will be to convene its first session on April 5, where it will elect a speaker, form committees, and begin the legislative agenda.

In the words of the Washington Examiner’s editor, “Moldova has chosen the path of Europe, and the world will watch closely to see how its new leaders translate that choice into concrete policy. The stakes are high, but the potential for a more secure, democratic, and prosperous Moldova is now within reach.”