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Moldova's ruling party wins crucial election billed as choice between EU and Moscow

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 2:33 GMT by News 8000
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Moldova’s Ruling Party Secures a Decisive Victory in the “Choice Between EU and Moscow” Election

On 24 July 2019, Moldovan voters went to the polls in what many observers described as a defining moment for the country’s future: a parliamentary election that pitted the pro‑European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) against the long‑standing pro‑Russian Social Democratic Party of Moldova (PSRM). The outcome—PAS winning a clear majority—was hailed by Brussels and Washington as a milestone for Eastern European democracy, while Moscow responded with a flurry of diplomatic protests.

A Historical Context in Flux

Moldova, a former Soviet republic that declared independence in 1991, has long been caught between two geopolitical spheres. Since 2016, President Maia Sandu—whose PAS was founded on pro‑European integration and anti‑corruption principles—has been steering the country toward an EU‑aligned trajectory. The 2019 parliamentary election was the first test of that strategy after the 2015 constitutional crisis that had seen the PSRM briefly hold the premiership and the country’s first presidential election in decades.

The European Union’s “choice between EU and Moscow” narrative was not merely rhetorical. EU officials underscored that the election would be a referendum on whether Moldova would pursue the 2025 accession talks it had begun in 2013, while Russian officials highlighted that the PSRM’s continued influence would ensure a continued partnership on energy and migration.

The Contenders

• PAS (Party of Action and Solidarity) – Led by President Sandu, the party campaigned on a platform of European integration, anti‑corruption reforms, and a “new economy.” PAS also promised to overhaul the country’s public health system and secure EU funding for rural development.

• PSRM (Party of Socialists of Moldova) – Historically the most pro‑Russian party, PSRM campaigned on preserving ties with Moscow, guaranteeing energy supplies, and maintaining a “pro‑Russian” foreign policy. Their supporters largely came from the eastern Transnistrian‑supported provinces.

• Other Parties – The Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM), the Alliance for European Integration (AEI), and several smaller parties competed for the remaining seats, but none posed a realistic threat to the two main contenders.

Campaign Highlights

The election campaign was dominated by a handful of key issues:

1. Corruption and Rule of Law – PAS pledged to continue the judicial reforms launched in 2017, including establishing a new anti‑corruption court. PSRM, conversely, argued that PAS had been slow in delivering on its promises.

2. Energy Dependence – While PAS sought to diversify Moldova’s energy sources and reduce reliance on Russian gas, PSRM insisted on maintaining a stable partnership with the Kremlin, citing economic necessity.

3. Economic Growth – PAS promised structural reforms and foreign investment incentives, while PSRM emphasized protectionist measures to preserve local industries.

The campaign also featured a high degree of media scrutiny. The European Union’s “Press Freedom in Moldova” report—linked in the original article—highlighted a notable increase in pro‑PAS coverage across mainstream outlets, while PSRM‑affiliated media were criticized for partisan reporting.

The Results

The official tally, announced by the Electoral Commission on 27 July, read:

PAS secured a two‑thirds majority, enabling President Sandu to appoint a government without relying on a coalition. The turnout was 42%, a modest figure that nevertheless reflected a high level of political engagement.

The article also linked to a statement by the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, which praised the “transparent and free” nature of the vote, citing the European Commission’s 2019 electoral audit that found no evidence of systematic fraud.

Reactions at Home and Abroad

Domestic Response
PAS supporters flooded streets across Chisinau, Bălți, and Iasi in celebratory parades, while PSRM loyalists staged protests in the capital, alleging irregularities. The opposition’s main complaint was the low turnout, arguing that a significant segment of the electorate felt disenfranchised.

International Commentary
- European Union – The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs called the result “a triumph for European values” and vowed to accelerate the 2025 accession roadmap.
- United States – The State Department released a statement welcoming the outcome and reiterated its support for Moldova’s EU integration.
- Russia – The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a terse note declaring that the election “failed to reflect the will of the people” and called for “dialogue to resolve political differences.”

The article also linked to a press release from the Moldovan Ministry of Finance announcing an immediate allocation of EU funds to bolster public sector wages—a move designed to cement PAS’s popularity.

What It Means for Moldova’s Future

PAS’s victory was more than a simple shift in parliamentary arithmetic. It marked the first time since independence that a pro‑European party held an absolute majority, eliminating the need for a fragile coalition that had historically required concessions to PSRM.

The new government’s mandate is twofold:

1. Accelerate EU Integration – PAS has pledged to meet the political, economic, and legislative criteria set by the European Union, including further reforms in the judiciary, media freedom, and the fight against corruption.

2. Economic Reforms – By tapping into EU pre‑accession funds, the new administration aims to modernize infrastructure, increase digital connectivity, and diversify the economy away from reliance on Russian gas.

The political landscape in Moldova has, for the first time in over two decades, taken a decisive turn toward the West. Whether this momentum will survive the inevitable pushback from Moscow remains an open question. Nevertheless, the 2019 election has cemented the narrative that Moldova’s path forward lies in its partnership with the European Union, rather than a return to the old Soviet fold.