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Moldova's pro-EU ruling party wins majority in key election, boosting country's bid to join the EU

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ction-boosting-country-s-bid-to-join-the-eu.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 29th 2025 at 7:10 GMT by The Globe and Mail
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Moldova’s 2025 Parliamentary Elections: A Turning Point for the Nation

The Globe and Mail’s comprehensive analysis of Moldova’s forthcoming 2025 parliamentary elections offers a panoramic view of a nation poised at a crossroads between its European aspirations and the lingering shadow of Russian influence. The piece, which opens with an overview of the country’s fragile political landscape, traces the evolution of Moldova’s democratic institutions over the past decade, the role of external actors, and the internal dynamics that will shape the ballot day in the summer of 2025.

1. The Road to 2025

Moldova, the world’s second‑smallest European republic, has long been a battleground for competing visions of its future. The article situates the 2025 election within the context of a decade of oscillating allegiances. After the 2019 parliamentary elections, the pro‑European Alliance for Reform (AR) took power, only to be toppled in 2021 by the ruling Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM) following a highly contested vote that sparked widespread protests and accusations of electoral fraud.

The interim period that followed was marked by a fragile coalition government and growing domestic discontent. The Globe and Mail notes that this volatility culminated in a “constitutional crisis” that prompted the Constitutional Court to rule that a snap election was necessary. Thus, the 2025 vote is not merely a routine democratic exercise; it is a referendum on the direction Moldova wishes to take in the years ahead.

2. The Main Political Contenders

a) Party of Socialists (PSRM)

The PSRM, led by Maia Sandu’s former rival, Anatolie Stoian, has positioned itself as the defender of Moldovan sovereignty against Russian encroachment. The article highlights Stoian’s emphasis on “national security” and his promise to renegotiate energy contracts with Russia while maintaining a cautious approach toward the European Union (EU). Analysts quoted in the piece suggest that the PSRM’s hardline stance resonates with voters in rural regions where Russian‑language media still hold sway.

b) Alliance for Reform (AR)

Re‑emerging from the ashes of the 2021 political turmoil, the AR, under the stewardship of former Prime Minister Elena Vîlcu, has sought to consolidate pro‑European sentiment. Vîlcu’s campaign revolves around economic liberalization, anti‑corruption measures, and deepening ties with the EU. The Globe and Mail notes that Vîlcu’s leadership has been instrumental in securing a “pre‑qualification” for Moldova’s accession talks with the EU—a status that the article argues will galvanize the pro‑European electorate.

c) Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova (PLDM)

The PLDM, a centrist force that has historically been a counterweight to both PSRM and AR, is portrayed as a pragmatic party that emphasizes fiscal responsibility. Its candidate, former Finance Minister Iurie Păduraru, has called for a balanced approach to foreign policy, advocating for “dialogue over confrontation.” The article points out that the PLDM’s support base is fragmented between urban professionals and middle‑class voters who feel uneasy about both extremes.

d) The Communist Party (PCRM)

While the PCRM’s influence has waned in recent years, the Globe and Mail notes that the party is attempting a comeback by capitalizing on nostalgia for the Soviet era and promising state‑run enterprises. Their candidate, former Deputy Prime Minister Anatolie Găinușă, has vowed to protect the livelihoods of the poor in exchange for limited political liberalization.

3. External Influences: The EU, Russia, and the West

One of the article’s central themes is the tug‑of‑war between European integration and Russian influence. The piece references the EU’s “Green Deal” for Eastern partners and the EU’s “Eurobonds” as a potential lifeline for Moldova’s fiscal reform. It also points to Russia’s ongoing strategy of maintaining a foothold through energy dependency, cultural influence, and political financing of pro‑Moldovan‑Russia parties.

The article follows several embedded links to deeper analyses:

• The European Commission’s 2023 Moldovan Report – detailing the progress of EU accession negotiations and the obstacles that remain.
• Russia’s “Dovah” energy policy – a brief overview of how Russian natural gas agreements have shaped Moldovan energy security.
• The OSCE’s Monitoring Mission report – providing insights into the integrity of the electoral process and suggestions for safeguarding democratic norms.

These external sources underscore the geopolitical stakes that the 2025 election holds for not only Moldova but the broader European security architecture.

4. Key Issues on the Ballot

The Globe and Mail meticulously catalogues the most pressing issues that will influence voters:

1. Economic Recovery – With a GDP contraction of 4% in 2023, voters are looking for credible economic plans. The article notes that the PSRM promises increased state subsidies, whereas the AR proposes investment incentives for foreign investors.
2. Corruption – Ranked #1 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, Moldova’s political arena is rife with allegations of graft. Both the AR and PLDM have pledged “zero tolerance” campaigns.
3. Judicial Reform – An independent judiciary remains a cornerstone of democratic governance. The AR’s platform includes the “Judicial Transparency Initiative,” which seeks to overhaul the appointment process for judges.
4. Energy Security – With the global energy market in flux, the article emphasizes that energy policy is perhaps the most divisive issue. PSRM supports diversification via gas pipelines from Turkey, whereas the AR backs EU‑led renewable projects.
5. Ethnic and Linguistic Rights – The article outlines how Moldovan identity, a blend of Romanian and Russian heritage, is at the heart of domestic debates. Policies regarding the status of the Russian language in education and public life will test the country’s inclusivity.

5. The Road Ahead: Electoral Logistics and Potential Outcomes

The Globe and Mail’s report concludes with an analysis of the logistical challenges that could shape the election. It cites the “Moldovan Electoral Commission’s” mandate to expand voter registration by 30% in anticipation of a youth surge, as well as the need to mitigate “disinformation campaigns” that were rampant in 2021.

The article outlines three primary electoral scenarios:

1. PSRM Victory – If the PSRM gains a majority, Moldova may lean further toward Russia, potentially jeopardizing EU accession timelines.
2. AR Ascendancy – A robust win for the AR would likely accelerate EU integration and deepen reforms, but it may also provoke backlash from Russian‑leaning constituencies.
3. Coalition Politics – Given the fragmented nature of Moldovan politics, a coalition government might emerge, blending elements from multiple parties and thereby creating a complex governance structure.

6. Final Reflections

In sum, The Globe and Mail’s article offers an incisive, well‑structured snapshot of the forces at play in Moldova’s 2025 elections. By weaving together domestic narratives, party platforms, and the broader geopolitical context, the piece invites readers to view the ballot as more than a simple political contest; it frames it as a pivotal moment that will determine Moldova’s alignment with Europe or its continued entanglement with Russian interests. The article’s thorough coverage and carefully curated external links provide a solid foundation for anyone seeking to understand the stakes of Moldova’s democratic future.