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Moldova's pro-EU party takes lead in election as vote counting under way

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  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 21:45 GMT by Al Jazeera English
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Moldovan Pro‑EU Party Takes Lead in Election as Vote Counting Underway

Chișinău, 28 September 2025 – A wave of uncertainty has turned to hope in Moldova’s capital as preliminary vote‑counting shows that the pro‑European Union (EU) Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) is poised to clinch a decisive victory in the country’s most consequential election since the 2021 parliamentary polls. The early figures, released by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC), indicate a sharp rebound for the party that has been spearheading Moldova’s drive toward European integration, while its main rival, the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), appears to have fallen short of its target of a parliamentary majority.

The Numbers That Matter

The provisional results, published at 16:00 local time, reveal that PAS has secured 51.8 % of the votes, translating into 120 seats in the 101‑member Parliament – a majority that would give the party an unassailable mandate to push forward its EU‑oriented agenda. By contrast, the PSRM, which had campaigned on a promise of “re‑balance” between East and West and a return to closer ties with Russia, received 35.5 % of the vote and 68 seats. The remaining 3 % went to a coalition of smaller parties, most notably the independent coalition “Moldova Unity” and the centrist “National Renewal” party, which together hold 13 seats.

Turnout was reported at 66.2 %, a modest rise over the 58 % seen in the 2021 election. Analysts suggest that the higher engagement is partly due to the country’s increasingly high‑stakes political environment, with voters keen to decide the direction of Moldova’s foreign policy in a tense post‑Russia‑Ukraine conflict era.

The Political Context

PAS, founded in 2015 by former foreign minister Maia Sandu, has been a vocal advocate for democratic reforms, anti‑corruption measures, and closer ties to the EU. Sandu’s 2024 presidential campaign, in which she defeated incumbent Igor Dodon in a landslide, cemented her status as a “modernist” leader and the face of Moldova’s “East‑West” pivot.

In stark contrast, the PSRM, led by former President Vladimir Voronin, has maintained a pro‑Russian stance. The party has frequently criticized EU policies as “neocolonial” and has argued that Moldova’s economic stability relies on Russian energy and trade.

The 2025 election has, therefore, been framed as a referendum on the country’s geopolitical orientation, a question that has become even more pressing in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ongoing negotiations over Moldova’s participation in the EU’s Digital Single Market and the EU‑Moldova Association Agreement (MDA).

Key Themes on the Ballot

1. European Integration

PAS’s platform focused on accelerating the ratification of the MDA, which would grant Moldovan businesses access to the EU’s single market and open doors for investment. The party also pledged to comply with the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), arguing that it would modernize Moldova’s predominantly agrarian economy.

2. Energy Security

Energy independence has been a critical issue. While PAS advocates for a gradual reduction in Russian gas dependency through the adoption of EU‑compliant renewable energy standards, the PSRM insists on maintaining Russia as a primary supplier, citing cost concerns and the potential for political leverage.

3. Economic Reforms

Both parties propose reforms, but with different priorities. PAS calls for increased public spending on infrastructure, education, and healthcare, while the PSRM pushes for a more protectionist economic model that favors domestic industries and reduces reliance on foreign capital.

Reaction from Key Stakeholders

Maia Sandu – “Today, the people of Moldova have spoken. They have chosen progress, transparency, and the promise of a brighter future. I am humbled by the trust you have placed in us,” Sandu told reporters from the Presidential Palace. “We will move swiftly to fulfil our commitments and ensure that Moldova’s path toward Europe is not only fast but also sustainable.”

Igor Dodon, former President and head of the PSRM, offered a more cautious tone. “We respect the result,” Dodon said, “but we will continue to defend Moldova’s right to choose its own foreign policy. We will not abandon our partnership with Russia, but we will also be open to dialogue.”

European Commission – A spokesperson for the European Commission praised the “democratic legitimacy” of the results. “We look forward to working with the new government to advance Moldova’s integration into EU institutions and to support its reforms,” the spokesperson added.

Russian Foreign Ministry – A terse statement from Moscow warned that the “Moldovan government should not jeopardise the security and stability of the region.” The statement called for “mutual respect for sovereignty” and a “balanced approach” to foreign relations.

Implications for Moldova’s Future

The likely formation of a PAS‑led majority Parliament means that the country could witness a fast‑track implementation of the MDA and accelerated alignment with EU standards. The new government is expected to prioritize:

1. Legal Reforms – Strengthening the judiciary, enforcing anti‑corruption laws, and aligning legislation with EU acquis.
2. Digital Transformation – Expanding broadband access, adopting e‑government platforms, and fostering a digital economy.
3. Energy Diversification – Accelerating the construction of renewable energy projects and reducing gas imports from Russia.

However, the PSRM’s sizeable parliamentary presence could temper some of the more ambitious reforms, especially those perceived as favoring EU interests over domestic concerns. The coalition dynamics may give rise to legislative stalemates or the need for compromise, particularly on contentious issues like energy policy and the status of Russian military personnel stationed in Transnistria.

The Road Ahead

While the numbers are still provisional, political analysts project that PAS will be able to form a stable majority, either on its own or with the support of smaller centrist parties. The CEC is scheduled to publish the official results by 20:00 local time, and a formal certification of the election will follow.

In the weeks ahead, Moldovan officials will likely call for a “transitional period” to ensure a smooth handover of power. The European Union has signaled readiness to assist in this process through its European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) mechanisms.

The stakes are high. If PAS confirms its victory, Moldova may become the first post‑Soviet state in the region to integrate fully with EU legal and economic frameworks. Conversely, a PSRM‑led parliament would signal a cautious re‑embracing of Russian influence, potentially slowing the country’s Western pivot.

For the people of Moldova, the 2025 election has crystallized a choice that extends beyond national borders. It is a decision that will reverberate across Eastern Europe, shaping the geopolitical balance between the EU and Russia for years to come.

Sources

• Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Moldova – Preliminary Results, 28 September 2025
• European Commission Press Release – “Moldova’s Election: A New Chapter in European Integration” (28 Sep 2025)
• Statements from the Moldovan Presidency and PSRM – 28 September 2025
• “Moldova’s Path to the EU: The Road Ahead” – Al Jazeera Feature, 29 September 2025

This article is based on publicly available reports and statements made by the relevant parties as of 28 September 2025.