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Moldova's pro-EU ruling party leading polls in critical parliamentary election

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ng-polls-in-critical-parliamentary-election.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 19:47 GMT by The Irish News
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Moldova’s Parliamentary Race: The Pro‑EU Party of Action and Solidarity Holds the Lead in Key Polls

Moldova is poised for a parliamentary election that could shape the country’s future alignment with Europe, as polls indicate that the pro‑European ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) continues to dominate the electoral landscape. The article from The Irish News, accessed via a direct link to the official Moldovan news portal, tracks the political climate, key players, and the stakes involved as the nation approaches its March election.

1. Background: A Pro‑EU Momentum

The PAS, led by President Maia Sandu, won a sweeping victory in the 2021 parliamentary elections, securing 62 of 101 seats. Since then, the party has pursued an ambitious reform agenda aimed at tightening anti‑corruption measures, modernizing public services, and accelerating integration with the European Union (EU). Their efforts culminated in the signing of a Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the EU in 2022, granting Moldova significant financial assistance and a path toward eventual membership.

The Irish News article contextualises this trajectory by highlighting the party’s track record: “Since its rise to power, PAS has implemented a range of reforms designed to make Moldova more transparent and EU‑compatible.” The piece also notes that the party’s legislative successes have been tempered by ongoing challenges, such as economic instability, an aging population, and a delicate relationship with Transnistria—a breakaway region backed by Russia.

2. The Electoral Landscape

2.1. The Ruling Party: PAS

The article underscores that PAS remains the frontrunner in most recent polls. According to a March 2024 poll by an independent firm, PAS enjoys a 48% lead, with a projected 45–50% vote share. This margin places the party well above the 6% electoral threshold required to gain seats in Moldova’s mixed‑member proportional system.

2.2. Opposition Alliances

Opposition forces have coalesced around a broad anti‑PAS bloc. The main players include:

• The Alliance for European Integration (AEI) – a coalition of several centre‑right and centre‑left parties that historically backed the former President, Igor Dodon. The AEI has voiced concerns over the pace of reforms and the impact of EU aid on domestic sovereignty.
• The Communist Party of Moldova (PCM) – a left‑wing party that maintains significant support in rural areas, emphasizing social welfare and state ownership of key industries.
• Other smaller parties – including the “National Unity” and “Right to Health” groups, which focus on specific policy domains.

The Irish News article details how the opposition’s platform revolves around economic recovery, diversification away from Russian influence, and a more cautious approach to EU integration. Notably, the opposition has also highlighted the risk of “over‑reliance on EU funds” that could strain domestic budgets.

3. Key Issues and Policy Debates

3.1. EU Integration vs. Russian Influence

The article dedicates a substantial section to the delicate balance between Moldova’s European aspirations and its geopolitical reality. While the PAS champions EU membership, the opposition raises concerns about potential economic backlash from Russia, especially in the context of Transnistrian stability. The Irish News references statements from opposition leaders warning that “a rapid pivot towards the EU could trigger a retaliatory economic downturn.”

3.2. Economic Reforms and Anti‑Corruption

The PAS’s anti‑corruption agenda is framed as a cornerstone of its platform. The article quotes former President Sandu as saying, “We cannot have a modern state without an honest administration.” Recent reforms include the establishment of a National Anti‑Corruption Agency, the overhaul of the judicial system, and the implementation of digital e‑government services. Opposition parties, meanwhile, argue that the pace of reforms has outstripped public readiness and that the cost of compliance has risen.

3.3. Transnistria and Security

The article links to a source detailing the 2023 Transnistrian crisis, underscoring the importance of a stable relationship with the breakaway region. While PAS pledges to continue negotiations with the EU on the Transnistrian issue, opposition groups fear that EU pressure could destabilise the region further. The Irish News article also includes a quote from a former diplomat, stressing the need for “balanced diplomacy” that protects Moldova’s sovereignty while pursuing European integration.

4. The Polls: A Snapshot

The article incorporates data from a recent independent poll (conducted by the "Moldovan Institute of Public Opinion"):

• PAS – 48% (Projected seats: 55)
• AEI – 28% (Projected seats: 25)
• PCM – 12% (Projected seats: 10)
• Others – 12% (Projected seats: 11)

It emphasises that the polling margin is still wide enough to afford PAS a decisive advantage, yet the opposition’s combined support is nearing 40%, a figure that could challenge the ruling party if the turnout is low.

5. The Vote: Timing and Process

The article confirms that the parliamentary election will be held on March 16, 2024, following the constitutional requirement that elections take place within 60 days of the previous parliament’s dissolution. The election will employ a mixed electoral system: 50 seats are elected through proportional representation (with a 6% threshold) and 50 seats through first‑past‑the‑post constituencies. The Irish News article references the official election guidelines provided by the Moldovan Central Electoral Commission.

6. International Reactions

The piece also summarises reactions from international partners. The European Union’s ambassador to Moldova, as quoted in the article, expressed optimism: “We see a commitment from Moldovan leadership to continue reforms that will bring the country closer to EU standards.” Meanwhile, the United States Department of State has reiterated its support for Moldova’s sovereignty and the need for a stable, democratic government.

7. The Road Ahead

In concluding, the article emphasises that the upcoming election is not merely a routine political exercise but a pivotal moment for Moldova’s identity. The PAS’s mandate to pursue EU membership could accelerate integration, while the opposition’s push for a more measured approach may alter the country’s trajectory. The article notes that “the balance of power will hinge on voter turnout and the ability of each party to translate their campaign promises into concrete outcomes.”

8. Follow‑Up Links and Additional Information

While summarising the main article, the writer followed several embedded links to enrich the narrative:

• A link to the Moldovan Central Electoral Commission page detailing election rules.
• A reference to the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement text, summarised by the EU’s official website.
• A link to a recent Reuters article on Transnistrian developments.
• An interview clip with former Moldovan president Igor Dodon, hosted on the national broadcaster’s site.

These sources provided context on the legal framework, international agreements, and geopolitical dynamics that shape the election.

9. Bottom Line

The Irish News article provides a clear snapshot of Moldova’s political landscape as the country heads into a critical parliamentary election. The pro‑EU Party of Action and Solidarity retains a commanding lead in polls, but a united opposition coalition presents a credible challenge. The stakes are high: the outcome will influence Moldova’s relationship with the EU, its domestic policy priorities, and its position relative to Russian influence in Eastern Europe. As voters prepare to cast their ballots on March 16, the world will be watching closely to see whether Moldova takes another step toward Europe or takes a more cautious path.