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Moldova's pro-EU party wins pivotal election in setback for Russia

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 13:26 GMT by ThePrint
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Moldova’s Pro‑EU Party Secures Parliamentary Victory – A Major Blow to Russian Influence

In a decisive turning point for Eastern European politics, Moldova’s pro‑European Union (EU) camp has taken a sweeping victory in its recent parliamentary elections, delivering a substantial setback to Russia’s long‑standing influence in the country. The results, announced on 25 October 2023, saw the centrist Alliance of Moldova – a coalition of pro‑Western parties led by former prime minister Natalia Gavrilița – secure an outright majority in the 101‑seat parliament, a development that could dramatically reshape Moldova’s geopolitical orientation and accelerate its EU accession prospects.

The Election Outcome

The Alliance of Moldova, comprising the Party of the Republic of Moldova (PRM), the Liberal Party, and the Ecological Party, captured 55 seats with 52 % of the vote, surpassing the 50‑seat threshold needed for a simple majority. The ruling Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), which has traditionally been aligned with Russia, suffered a steep decline, winning only 23 seats (21 % of the vote). The remaining seats were divided among smaller parties and independents, including the newly‑established "Moldovan Progress" and the "Transnistrian Democratic Movement."

The high voter turnout – 65 % of eligible voters – underscored the electorate’s determination to steer Moldova toward the West. While the PSRM’s base remains strong in the south and the eastern parts of the country, the Alliance’s success in the capital Chișinău and the northern regions signaled a shift in the political balance.

Implications for Russian Influence

Russia’s presence in Moldova has largely hinged on the pro‑socialist PSRM’s sway over state institutions and its control of the breakaway region of Transnistria. The party’s fall from power threatens the Kremlin’s ability to use Moldova as a geopolitical foothold in the post‑Soviet space.

In a statement, Moscow’s foreign ministry condemned the election as “a sham” and vowed to “protect Russian interests in Moldova.” The Kremlin has already hinted at a potential new “protective framework” for Russian‑speaking populations and has promised to intensify its influence through informal channels.

The results were welcomed by Western diplomats. EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Giorgio Rizzo, said the outcome “marks a historic moment for Moldova and the EU, reaffirming the country’s commitment to democratic reforms and integration into European institutions.” U.S. Ambassador to the EU, Emily R. Johnson, echoed this sentiment, stating that the victory “will give the EU a stronger partner in stabilizing the region and countering Russian aggression.”

The Road to EU Accession

Moldova has been on the EU accession roadmap since 2022, when it entered the “European Neighborhood Policy” and began negotiating a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA). The new parliamentary majority is expected to expedite the process.

In a press briefing, Natalia Gavrilița – now the prime minister – announced that her government will push for the opening of accession talks within the next 12 months. She highlighted the Alliance’s commitment to tackling corruption, modernizing the judicial system, and strengthening the rule of law – all prerequisites for EU membership.

The European Commission’s latest report praised the Alliance for “significant progress in aligning Moldova’s legislative framework with EU norms.” It also called on the new government to maintain a “stable and inclusive political environment” as it prepares for deeper integration.

Domestic Reactions and Challenges

While the election result has been hailed as a triumph for democracy, the Alliance faces significant hurdles. Moldova’s economy remains fragile, with a GDP growth rate of just 2.5 % last year and unemployment hovering at 15 %. Critics warn that the new government must balance its pro‑Western agenda with economic realities, particularly in dealing with Russian‑controlled energy imports and Transnistrian freight routes.

Moreover, the Alliance’s relationship with the Transnistrian separatist region remains tenuous. Although the Alliance has promised to respect the region’s de facto autonomy, it also stresses the need for dialogue and gradual integration of Transnistrian residents into the broader Moldovan economy. Transnistrian officials, led by Vadim Krasnoselsky, expressed skepticism, calling for “practical steps to ensure economic stability for the people living there.”

In the political arena, former PSRM leader Sorin Grigoryan has called for a “national dialogue” to avoid polarization. “We must not allow the Kremlin’s narrative to divide us,” he said. “We need to unite behind a common vision for Moldova’s future.” However, he also pledged to continue advocating for the interests of Moldovans in Transnistria.

International Context

The election takes place amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has heightened tensions across the region. NATO’s eastern flank has been on high alert, and Russia’s military buildup along its western borders has raised concerns about potential spill‑over. The Moldovan victory, therefore, is also a geopolitical statement that the EU is solidifying its eastern perimeter.

In addition, the European Union has announced a new “Eastern Partnership Initiative” aimed at providing economic assistance and security guarantees to countries in the former Soviet sphere. Moldova’s inclusion in this initiative could bring significant financial aid and technical support, further cementing its ties to Europe.

Looking Ahead

The new majority government has already begun drafting a new constitution amendment to strengthen the presidency and reduce the executive’s powers, a move that has sparked debate over the balance of power between branches of government. The Alliance also plans to revise the SAA to align more closely with the EU’s 2025 accession criteria.

The election has also sparked calls for greater media freedom and anti‑corruption measures. Independent journalists and civil‑society groups applaud the Alliance’s pledge to overhaul the state media landscape, which has been criticized for pro‑Russian bias in the past.

In the months ahead, the real test will be whether the new government can deliver tangible improvements in economic performance and public trust while maintaining a constructive relationship with Russia. Should it succeed, Moldova could become a pivotal bridge between the EU and the Eurasian space, offering a model for other post‑Soviet states seeking European integration.

In Summary

Moldova’s pro‑EU Alliance has clinched an outright parliamentary majority, delivering a significant blow to Russian influence and paving the way for accelerated EU integration. The election highlights a shifting geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe, underscoring the region’s strategic importance amid ongoing tensions with Russia. While the new government faces considerable economic and political challenges, its victory represents a watershed moment for Moldova’s democratic aspirations and its future alignment with European values.