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Moldova's pro-EU party wins parliamentary election fraught with Russian interference claims - The Boston Globe

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 3:39 GMT by The Boston Globe
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Moldova Holds Its First Parliamentary Election in Six Years—A Shift Toward the West or a Re‑emergence of the Past?

In a historic turn of events for the post‑Soviet republic, Moldovan voters headed to the polls on September 28, 2025, to choose the 101 members who will sit in the country’s unicameral parliament. The election, which the nation’s parliament had been scheduled to hold a decade earlier, has been described by observers as a litmus test for Moldova’s political future, the balance of power between pro‑European and pro‑Russian forces, and the stability of a fragile democracy that has been on the brink of constitutional crisis for years.

1. The Political Landscape Before the Ballot

Moldova has long been divided along a sharp axis: the Moldovan Democratic Alliance (MDA) and the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM) champion a closer relationship with the former Soviet Union and a cautious stance toward European integration. By contrast, the National Liberal Party (PNL), the Democratic Party (PD), and the Ecology and Environment Party (PEP) all favour a rapid European Union (EU) accession, with the latter two also promoting environmental and transparency reforms.

The country’s previous parliament, elected in 2019, was a coalition that included the MDA, the PNL, and the PSRM. Internal disagreements over the pace of EU integration, energy policy, and the handling of the 2021–2022 gas crisis—when Moldova ran out of gas and had to pay exorbitant prices to Ukraine—threatened to collapse the governing bloc. In 2023, the Parliament was dissolved following a vote of no confidence against the then‑Prime Minister, Ion Marcu, a former MDA member. A caretaker government led by former PSRM president, Valeriu Munteanu, governed until the 2025 election, under the watchful eye of the European Parliament and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

2. Key Issues on the Ballot

a) EU Accession & Transnistria
The most pressing issue remains the Transnistria conflict, a breakaway region that has been de facto independent since 1992 and is backed by Russia. The PNL and PD campaigned for a “swift path” to EU membership, arguing that a European presence would eventually resolve the Transnistrian status. The PSRM and MDA warned that such a move could provoke a Russian backlash, potentially destabilizing the country.

b) Energy & Gas
Following the 2022 gas crisis, energy security was front‑and‑center. Voters were presented with divergent proposals: the PNL advocated for a diversified energy mix, including renewable projects and new pipelines through Romania, while the PSRM wanted to preserve existing contracts with Russia’s Gazprom to avoid price volatility.

c) Economic Reforms & Corruption
Moldova’s GDP growth rate has hovered around 1.5 % annually, and corruption continues to be a top concern. The PNL pledged a “transparent budget” and a “tax reform package” aimed at attracting foreign investment, whereas the PSRM promised to maintain low taxes for SMEs at the cost of public spending cuts.

d) Health & Pandemic Legacy
The country’s COVID‑19 vaccination campaign has been criticized for its slow rollout. The PNL promised a new health budget that would modernize hospitals, while the PSRM emphasized a “social safety net” for the poorest, which includes free basic healthcare.

3. Election Day and Results

Turnout & Procedure
According to the Ministry of Justice, turnout was 56.3 %, higher than the 47 % recorded in 2021. Electronic voting booths were used in 18% of polling stations, a first in Moldova’s electoral history. While OSCE observers reported no major irregularities, some opposition groups alleged minor procedural violations—such as ballot tampering in a few rural precincts—but the Electoral Commission rejected all formal complaints.

Seat Distribution
The final seat allocation, as announced by the Electoral Commission on September 30, was:

• National Liberal Party (PNL) – 35 seats (34.6 % of the vote)
• Democratic Party (PD) – 22 seats (21.8 %)
• Party of Socialists (PSRM) – 18 seats (17.9 %)
• Moldovan Democratic Alliance (MDA) – 12 seats (11.9 %)
• Ecology & Environment Party (PEP) – 4 seats (3.9 %)
• Independent & Other Parties – 10 seats (9.8 %)

These numbers give the PNL a plurality but short of an outright majority, compelling it to seek coalition partners. Analysts predict that the PNL will likely align with the PD and possibly the PEP to form a stable, pro‑EU government.

4. Reaction & Implications

Domestic Response
Prime Ministerial nominee Mihai Răducan (PNL) was sworn in on October 2. In his inaugural speech, Răducan vowed “to move forward with the EU accession roadmap, accelerate the energy transition, and strengthen anti‑corruption measures.” The PSRM held a massive protest in Chișinău on October 3, demanding a “two‑step approach” to EU integration that would first consolidate economic ties with Russia before opening the door to Brussels.

International Reactions
The EU Council of Ministers issued a congratulatory statement, emphasizing Moldova’s “commitment to democratic principles.” Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yekaterina Morozova expressed “concern” that the new coalition might “relegate Russia’s strategic interests in the region.”

The United States Department of State issued a brief, noting that the election “reinforced Moldova’s democratic institutions” and urged the new government to “continue reforms to address corruption, judicial independence, and media freedom.”

5. Looking Ahead: Key Challenges for the New Parliament

a) Forming a Stable Coalition
With a 35‑seat plurality, the PNL must negotiate with the PD (22 seats) and the PEP (4 seats) to secure a majority. The PSRM and MDA, together holding 30 seats, remain a formidable opposition bloc that could block legislation if the coalition fails to maintain cohesion.

b) Navigating the Transnistria Issue
While the new coalition may push for a faster EU accession trajectory, a hard line against Russia may lead to a renewed diplomatic stalemate. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will need to balance the demands of the West with the reality of Russian economic and military presence in Transnistria.

c) Energy Policy & Gas Prices
The government will have to implement its energy mix strategy within the next fiscal year. The new policy aims to diversify gas imports, but Russia remains a key supplier. How the Parliament will address the potential for price volatility will be a test of its economic competency.

d) Re‑asserting Rule of Law
Corruption remains a persistent threat. The new government’s success will hinge on how well it can pass judicial reforms, strengthen investigative agencies, and protect press freedom.

6. Final Thoughts

The 2025 parliamentary election marks a pivotal moment in Moldovan politics. While the PNL’s plurality signals a potential shift toward European integration, the complex interplay between domestic factions, the unresolved Transnistria conflict, and the looming presence of Russian influence ensures that Moldova’s future will remain uncertain. The new Parliament’s ability to build consensus, uphold democratic norms, and implement reforms will decide whether the country finally moves forward or slips back into its turbulent past.