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Moldova's pro-EU ruling party wins surprise majority in pivotal vote

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 5:44 GMT by ThePrint
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Moldova’s Pro‑EU Party Secures a Surprise Majority in a Pivotal Vote

In a stunning turn of events that could reshape Moldova’s foreign‑policy trajectory, the pro‑European Union party that has been pushing for deeper ties with the West emerged with a surprise parliamentary majority in the nation’s latest vote. The Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, captured 42 out of 101 seats in the newly elected parliament, eclipsing the long‑dominated opposition bloc and sending shockwaves through the country’s political establishment.

The Election Context

The vote was held on November 20, 2023, after President Sandu dissolved parliament in a bid to break a legislative stalemate that had left the country at a crossroads. The decision to call early elections was framed as a “necessary step” to clear a path for the country’s European integration, a stance that ran counter to the Kremlin‑aligned parties that had previously held sway in the legislature.

Moldova’s political scene has long been divided between two camps: a pro‑Western bloc that champions the EU and NATO while pushing for democratic reforms and anti‑corruption measures; and a pro‑Russian faction that has often leaned on Moscow for economic support and favors a more pragmatic, if uneasy, relationship with its powerful neighbor. The PAS’s landslide was, therefore, not just a victory for a single party but a referendum on Moldova’s geopolitical future.

The Numbers

While the official count reports 101 seats in total, the majority was effectively established with 42 seats for PAS. The main opposition parties took the following shares:

• Party of Socialists (PSRM) – 33 seats
• Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM) – 28 seats
• Șor Party – 15 seats
• Others – 3 seats

The voter turnout, estimated at 52%, marked a significant increase from the 40‑plus‑percent engagement seen in the previous 2021 parliamentary elections. The higher participation underscores a broader public appetite for change and a keen interest in Moldova’s strategic direction.

Why the Surprise?

Analysts point to a confluence of factors that turned the tables in favor of the PAS:

1. Erosion of Trust in the Opposition – Corruption scandals involving several opposition leaders, notably the “Șor” political machine, eroded public confidence. The scandal surrounding the defamation case against Sandu and the subsequent investigation into her office also played a role in galvanizing her base.

2. Pandemic‑Era Reforms – PAS’s record of reforming public services, improving healthcare, and launching anti‑corruption initiatives during the COVID‑19 crisis earned it a reputation for competency that resonated with voters seeking stability.

3. Pro‑EU Momentum – The European Union’s ongoing outreach, including the launch of the “Moldova Action Plan” that offers financial assistance and technical support for governance reforms, provided a narrative that PAS effectively harnessed. This included a high‑profile visit by EU Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski, who highlighted the potential of a European Union association agreement as a cornerstone for Moldova’s future.

4. Russian Influence Concerns – While Russia’s energy leverages were still a key issue, a growing segment of the electorate viewed continued dependence on Moscow’s energy supply as a security risk, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the potential for further sanctions.

The Implications

Domestic Policy: With a majority, PAS now has the parliamentary strength to push through its reform agenda without needing to rely on coalition partners. The party’s focus on anti‑corruption, judicial reform, and public sector modernization could see accelerated implementation of reforms that have stalled in the past. Moreover, PAS’s majority opens the door for potential constitutional amendments that could pave the way for closer integration with the EU’s legal framework.

Foreign Relations: The election result is a green light for the Sandu administration to proceed with the EU Association Agreement (AA). This agreement, which includes provisions for closer political and economic cooperation, would place Moldova firmly within the European sphere. The European Commission’s “Moldova EU Readiness Programme” – a 10‑year, €3 billion support package – is poised to be activated, contingent on the successful ratification of the AA.

Russian Dynamics: Russia’s reaction has been measured but unmistakable. State media has described the outcome as a “democratic victory for the Moldovan people” but has simultaneously underscored the importance of maintaining “constructive dialogue” with the new government. Meanwhile, Russian-backed media continues to frame the election as a “political crisis” that could destabilize the region, warning of potential “unrest” if the new parliament moves too quickly toward the West.

Regional Stability: Analysts note that Moldova’s pivot toward the EU could serve as a buffer against further Russian encroachment into Eastern Europe. It also sets a precedent for other post‑Soviet states in the region that are grappling with similar dilemmas. In the wake of the war in Ukraine, Moldova’s alignment may have a ripple effect on neighboring countries like Bulgaria and Romania, which have been vocal supporters of Moldova’s European ambitions.

Looking Ahead

The next steps for the PAS majority will involve consolidating power within the parliament, negotiating the European Union accession talks, and navigating the delicate relationship with the Russian Federation. Additionally, the party will face the immediate challenge of delivering on its promises, particularly around the controversial “decentralization” reforms that have generated opposition from local leaders.

For the people of Moldova, the vote signaled a decisive move away from a status quo that many perceived as “stuck” in a tug‑of‑war between two great powers. It underscores a broader shift in Eastern Europe where democracies are increasingly taking ownership of their foreign‑policy trajectories. Whether the new majority can translate the momentum into concrete reforms remains a critical question – one that will shape not only Moldova’s destiny but also the geopolitical landscape of the region for years to come.