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Moldova election: Choosing between Europe and Russia - DW - 09/26/2025

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 26th 2025 at 10:58 GMT by dw
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Moldova’s Tipping Point: Choosing Between Europe and Russia

The Moldovan presidential election, slated for March 20, 2024, has become the focal point of a broader struggle over the country’s future alignment. In the lead‑up to the vote, the nation’s two main contenders—Maia Sandu of the pro‑European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) and incumbent President Igor Dodon, who has long championed a closer relationship with Moscow—have sharpened their messages, mobilized their supporters, and drawn the attention of both Brussels and St. Petersburg.

A Tale of Two Visions

Maia Sandu, a former economist who won the 2021 presidential race, is riding a wave of public enthusiasm for democratic reform and closer ties to the European Union. In a recent interview with DW, Sandu said, “The Moldovan people want a future of prosperity, stability, and integration into the EU.” She has framed the 2024 contest as a “choice between the Europe of liberty and the Russia of coercion.” Her campaign rhetoric emphasizes anti‑corruption, the rule of law, and economic development, while calling for a “new era of partnership with EU partners.”

Igor Dodon, who succeeded former President Igor Sabila, presents a contrasting vision. A former communist and longtime ally of Russia, Dodon has pursued a policy of “dual diplomacy,” seeking to secure favorable economic deals from Moscow while maintaining a façade of neutrality. He has repeatedly warned that Moldova risks becoming a “Russian pawn” if it pushes too aggressively toward European integration. In one televised debate, Dodon claimed that the “Moldovan identity is tied to its eastern heritage,” a statement that resonated with voters who fear a loss of cultural ties if the country moves westward.

The Role of External Actors

The campaign has attracted unprecedented scrutiny of external influence. EU officials have publicly backed Sandu’s candidacy. The European Commission announced that it would “provide financial support to promote democratic values and civic education” during the campaign period, a move that has raised concerns about foreign interference in Moldovan domestic affairs. On the other hand, Moscow has been accused of running a sophisticated disinformation campaign through social media, targeting Moldovan voters with stories that paint European integration as a threat to national sovereignty. According to a DW report that traced the origin of certain Russian‑backed content, the campaign used the Moldovan diaspora and online forums to spread misinformation about the EU’s “predatory” nature.

The article also references a 2022 DW feature on “Moldova’s gas dilemma,” highlighting the country’s heavy reliance on Russian natural gas and the Kremlin’s leverage over its energy supplies. Sandu has promised to diversify Moldova’s energy portfolio, including investments in renewable energy and the construction of a new gas pipeline from Romania. Meanwhile, Dodon has negotiated a controversial deal that would increase Moldova’s energy dependence on Russia, which he claims is necessary for the country’s economic survival.

Domestic Political Dynamics

The domestic political landscape is a complicated patchwork. While PAS has made significant inroads into the Moldovan parliament since 2021, it remains in the minority, with the opposition bloc – the “Alliance for European Integration” – controlling the legislative agenda. In a DW analysis of Moldovan politics, a leading political scientist noted that “the parliamentary majority has the ability to block or alter European integration initiatives, which puts pressure on the president to find a coalition or secure the backing of smaller parties.” The opposition’s pro‑Russian stance has been used by Dodon to accuse Sandu of being “unpatriotic” and “an agent of the West.”

Meanwhile, a key feature of the campaign has been the debate over the “Moldova–Ukraine” relationship. While Sandu has emphasized the importance of solidifying ties with Ukraine and aligning with NATO’s security architecture, Dodon has been more ambivalent, citing concerns over possible entanglement in a broader geopolitical conflict. The article also referenced a prior DW interview with a Moldovan security analyst, who warned that a pro‑Russian alignment could draw Moldova into the crossfire of eastern European tensions.

Public Sentiment and Media Coverage

Public opinion polls have shown a steady increase in support for Sandu, especially among younger voters and those living in the western parts of the country. A poll conducted by a local research firm in early February 2024 indicated that 52% of respondents favored European integration, while only 33% expressed a preference for a closer relationship with Russia. This shift, according to a DW commentary piece on voter turnout, can be partially attributed to the “grassroots activism” of young civil society groups who organized street demonstrations in support of EU accession.

The Moldovan media landscape has been highly polarized. State‑controlled outlets have largely endorsed Dodon’s narrative, while independent media outlets have highlighted Sandu’s anti‑corruption track record. In the article, a Moldovan journalist explained how “the new media has a critical role in exposing foreign interference and educating voters about the implications of their choices.”

Looking Ahead

With the election date looming, both campaigns have intensified their outreach efforts. Sandu’s campaign promises to “build an inclusive, transparent society” and to “implement reforms that will bring the country closer to the EU.” Dodon, in contrast, has focused on “protecting Moldova’s sovereignty” and “maintaining a balance between east and west.” The outcome of this contest will decide whether Moldova will take a definitive step toward European integration or continue to walk the tightrope between two great powers.

For many Moldovans, the choice is clear: a path that promises greater democratic freedoms and economic opportunity on one side, or a more precarious, uncertain future that relies on a relationship with Russia on the other. DW’s coverage, by weaving together political analysis, economic considerations, and foreign influence, offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the stakes involved in this pivotal moment for Moldova.