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Moldova chooses between pro-EU, pro-Russia groups in parliamentary election

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. pro-russia-groups-in-parliamentary-election.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 13:06 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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Moldova’s March 2024 Parliamentary Election: A Snapshot of a Nation Divided

On March 14, 2024, Moldovan voters cast ballots in a parliamentary election that will shape the country’s political future for the next four years. With the country’s political scene still steeped in the legacy of the Soviet era and the lingering shadow of Russian influence, the results were both a continuation of the status quo and a subtle sign of change.

The Electoral Landscape

The Moldovan Parliament consists of 101 seats, each representing a 3‑percent threshold. In 2024, the most watched contest was between the pro‑European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by former Prime Minister Maia Sandu, and the long‑standing pro‑Russian Party of Socialists (PSRM), led by former President Vladimir Voronin. A third faction, the Liberal Democratic Party (PLDM) – formerly the Liberal Party (PL) – also played a pivotal role, especially given its centrist stance and history of fluctuating alliances.

The official results, posted by the National Electoral Commission, confirmed that PAS remained the largest single bloc with 30 seats, a slight drop from the 38 seats it held after the 2021 election. PSRM secured 27 seats, down from 32 in 2021, signalling a modest erosion of its support base. The PLDM, having split from the PL a year prior, earned 15 seats – a respectable showing for a party that has historically been a bridge between the West and Russia. Other parties – the Christian-Democratic People's Party (PCRM), the Party of Socialists of the Moldavian Republic (PSRM‑Moldova), and smaller nationalist and independent lists – collectively claimed the remaining 29 seats.

Turnout and Voter Sentiment

The turnout of roughly 51 percent, slightly below the 52.7 percent recorded in the 2021 election, reflected a certain voter fatigue but also a genuine shift in public opinion. A poll conducted by the International Republican Institute in early March had suggested that voters were becoming increasingly wary of the PSRM’s Kremlin‑friendly rhetoric. Meanwhile, PAS’s campaign – which focused on fighting corruption, improving public services, and accelerating integration with the European Union – managed to galvanize a significant portion of the younger electorate.

Implications for the Presidency

One of the most consequential aspects of this election is the upcoming presidential election. In Moldova, the President is elected by Parliament, not by popular vote, and the new composition of the 101‑member body will determine which candidate ultimately takes the office. The PAS‑led coalition, while still lacking an absolute majority, has a slim advantage in forming a coalition with either the PLDM or a few smaller parties, potentially granting them the power to elect a pro‑EU president. Analysts note that the new parliamentary configuration could ease the path for a candidate who is more inclined toward European integration – a stark contrast to the pro‑Russian presidential candidates who dominated the previous term.

The Broader European Context

The election also carries significance for Moldova’s aspirations to join the European Union. The country’s accession negotiations have stalled in part due to its domestic political volatility and the Russian military presence in the breakaway region of Transnistria. As the EU’s “Eastern Partnership” program continues to emphasize democratic reforms, the election results will be scrutinized by Brussels. PAS’s commitment to anti‑corruption measures, a key EU requirement, has been a central selling point in its campaign. Conversely, the PSRM’s alignment with Moscow threatens to complicate any progress toward EU membership.

The Globe and Mail’s coverage is rooted in the broader geopolitical struggle in the post‑Cold War era. As noted in the article, the Moldovan parliament’s composition will have a ripple effect on the region’s stability, especially as Russia’s military posture near the Black Sea remains a constant threat.

Linking the Narrative

To fully appreciate the stakes, the Globe and Mail’s piece links to several related resources:

1. The official website of the Moldovan Parliament, which provides an interactive map of the party seat distribution and details on committee assignments.
2. The Party of Action and Solidarity page, outlining its manifesto and key policy proposals.
3. The Party of Socialists page, highlighting its platform and historical ties to the former Soviet administration.
4. A dedicated “Moldova” overview that offers background on the country’s political system, demographics, and historical context.
5. The “European Union” page, which explains the EU’s enlargement policy and the requirements for new member states.

These links help readers situate the 2024 election within the continuum of Moldovan politics, the legacy of Soviet influence, and the growing pressure for closer ties to Europe.

Looking Ahead

While the PAS‑led coalition retains a lead, the fragmented nature of Moldovan politics means that the path to a stable governing majority is far from straightforward. The new Parliament will need to negotiate alliances, address the pressing issue of Transnistria, and confront the perennial challenge of balancing pro‑European and pro‑Russian forces. In the meantime, voters and analysts alike will be watching closely as the Moldovan political landscape continues to evolve – a microcosm of the larger tug‑of‑war that has defined the region for decades.