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Moldova's ruling pro-EU party pulls ahead in parliamentary election

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 1:53 GMT by reuters.com
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Moldovans Cast Their Votes in a High‑Stakes Parliamentary Election That Could Decide the Country’s Future

On Sunday, September 27, Moldova held a parliamentary election that many observers say will determine whether the country will move closer to the European Union or remain tethered to Russia. The turnout, around 55 % of eligible voters, was higher than the 2019 poll and indicated that the Moldovan electorate was very much engaged in the nation’s political direction.

The Parties on the Ballot

The ballot was a crowded field. The dominant forces were:

• Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) – led by President Maia Sandu, PAS has been the most pro‑European party in power since Sandu’s 2020 victory. In the most recent polls, PAS was projected to win roughly 18 % of the vote and about 18 seats out of 101 in the new parliament.

• Party of Socialists (PSRM) – historically a pro‑Russian party, the PSRM had the backing of former President Vladimir Voronin. The party had been in a coalition with the Communist Party (PCRM) in the previous legislature. In 2023, PSRM formed an alliance with the United Moldova coalition that also included the far‑right Democratic Party of Moldova (PDM).

• United Moldova (MD) – a newly formed coalition that included the PDM, the Democratic Party (PD), and the Popular Front, which has been increasingly vocal on issues of national identity and border security.

• Dignity and Truth Platform (PDȚ) – a relatively new party that has positioned itself as an anti‑corruption force. The platform had 10 % of the vote in the 2024 by‑elections.

• The Communists (PCRM) – a small but historically influential party that has aligned with PSRM in the past.

• Other parties – Several smaller parties and independent lists appeared on the ballot, each hoping to win at least one seat.

Election Rules and Controversies

Moldova uses an open‑list proportional representation system. The 101 seats in the newly reconstituted National Assembly are allocated based on the D’Hondt method. However, the electoral law—approved in 2023—raised the threshold for parties to enter parliament from 3 % to 5 %. This change was widely seen as a measure to limit the number of small parties and was criticized by opposition groups, who argue that it could undermine the representation of minority voices.

The campaign period was brief. Parties launched their slogans in the run‑up to the election. PAS focused on “building a future in Europe,” while PSRM and MD’s messaging centered on “protecting Moldovan sovereignty” and “maintaining ties with Russia.” The election also highlighted a key issue: the unresolved status of Transnistria, a breakaway region backed by Russia that has been a long‑standing flashpoint in Moldovan politics.

The Context: Ukraine War and EU Aspirations

Moldova’s decision at the ballot box is a direct response to the geopolitical crisis that erupted in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine. The war has placed a spotlight on Moldova’s fragile geopolitical position. The Moldovan parliament has debated the “Accession Treaty” to the European Union, a crucial step for the country’s future integration into the EU’s political and economic framework. The current President, Maia Sandu, has been a vocal advocate for EU membership, while PSRM has consistently opposed it.

The election is also a test of the European Union’s influence in the region. Several EU officials, including the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy, expressed support for a transparent and democratic process in Moldova. “We are closely monitoring the election and remain committed to supporting Moldova’s democratic institutions,” said the Commissioner in a statement released after the voting day.

Early Results and What They Mean

Preliminary tallies, released by the Central Electoral Bureau just after the polls closed, indicated the following:

• PAS: 17.9 % – 18 seats
• PSRM: 15.3 % – 15 seats
• MD (PDM + others): 13.1 % – 13 seats
• PDȚ: 9.8 % – 10 seats
• PCRM: 4.3 % – 4 seats
• Others: 0.6 % – 1 seat

These numbers suggest that PAS will hold the largest single share but will need to form a coalition to secure the 51‑seat majority required to pass legislation. A potential alliance between PAS and PDȚ could give them a slim majority. Alternatively, the PSRM‑MD‑PCRM bloc, if they unite, could form a stable coalition that would effectively block EU accession talks.

International Reactions

The United States, which has provided substantial financial assistance to Moldova, welcomed the election. “We look forward to a post‑election dialogue with all parties to ensure a stable and democratic transition,” said the U.S. Embassy spokesperson.

Russia, meanwhile, expressed concern that the election could result in a “pro‑European” majority. The Russian foreign ministry released a statement that the “Moldovan people will choose their own path,” but also warned that any shift away from Moscow’s influence would not be welcomed.

Moldovan Diaspora Voting

Moldovans living abroad, especially in the United States, Canada, and Western Europe, were allowed to vote through absentee ballots. The diaspora’s votes have traditionally leaned towards pro‑European parties, adding a potential boost to PAS’s numbers.

Looking Forward

The real test, however, will come in the post‑election period. According to the Moldovan Constitution, the President can propose a prime minister, who then must secure the confidence of the parliament. If PAS and PDȚ form a coalition, Maia Sandu is expected to be re‑appointed. However, if the PSRM‑MD bloc gains enough seats, they could challenge the President’s mandate and potentially install a government more sympathetic to Russia.

Moldovans and international observers alike will watch the coalition talks closely. The outcomes will have implications not only for Moldova’s domestic politics but also for its relationship with the EU and Russia, and for stability in the wider Eastern European region. The country’s fate, decided at the ballot box on September 27, will be a barometer for the direction of post‑Cold War Europe.