By Harshit | September 29, 2025 | Chisinau, Moldova | 7:00 PM EET
The pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by Moldovan President Maia Sandu, has secured a new majority in parliament, strengthening the country’s path toward the European Union despite what Sandu called “massive Russian interference.”
Clear Victory for Pro-Europeans
With 99.9% of the 1.6 million ballots counted, PAS won nearly 50% of the vote, far ahead of the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc, which trailed under 25%. The result gives PAS 55 out of 101 seats, ensuring it can govern without relying on coalition partners.
Party leader Igor Grosu hailed the outcome, calling it “an extraordinarily difficult battle” in which Moscow “threw everything it had” to derail Moldova’s pro-European course.
Turnout reached 52%, the highest in years, reflecting the stakes in an election widely seen as decisive for the country’s geopolitical future.
Russian Influence and Tensions
The campaign was marred by allegations of Russian meddling. Moldovan police said they uncovered efforts to spread disinformation, buy votes, and even train groups abroad to incite unrest. Dozens of men were arrested, accused of travelling to Serbia for firearms training.
Bomb scares also disrupted polling in Italy, Spain, Romania, the US, and inside Moldova itself, leading to several arrests. Grosu blamed “criminal groups backed by Moscow” for orchestrating the chaos.
Moldova has long been vulnerable to Russian influence, particularly through the breakaway region of Transnistria, where Moscow maintains troops and many residents remain strongly pro-Russian.
Opposition Cries Foul
Despite the clear results, opposition leader Igor Dodon, head of the pro-Russian Socialists and a key figure in the Patriotic Bloc, declared victory before polls closed and has called for protests outside parliament.
“Citizens have voted. Their vote must be respected even if you don’t like it,” Dodon said, urging supporters of all opposition parties to gather in Chisinau.
Dodon accused the government of harassing voters from Transnistria, many of whom faced long queues and multiple polling station changes due to bomb threats. Turnout from the enclave was sharply lower than in past years, with just over 12,000 voters participating.
European Leaders Applaud Result
European officials quickly welcomed the PAS victory. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote: “You made your choice clear: Europe. Democracy. Freedom.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Sandu for “saving democracy” and halting Russia’s attempt to seize control over Moldova, calling the outcome “a good lesson for us all.”
The result cements Moldova’s alignment with Brussels at a moment of heightened tensions caused by Russia’s ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine. Moldova was granted EU candidate status in 2022 alongside Ukraine.
Voices from the Ground
For many Moldovans, the vote was deeply personal.
“I think it will be very hard to move to Europe with a pro-Russian government,” said Marina, a voter in Chisinau. “I have relatives in Europe and I think I won’t see them anymore. You see what happens in Ukraine.”
Another voter, Dan Spatar, who cast his ballot with his young daughter, emphasized security concerns: “We voted for this four years ago and deserve to continue with it. We see what happens every day in Ukraine and we worry about that.”
Still, in towns near Transnistria, others expressed skepticism. One man told the BBC in Russian he wanted the pro-Russians back in power, saying the PAS government had “promised paradise and delivered nothing.”
Looking Ahead
For President Sandu, 53, the victory strengthens her hand after winning reelection last November. She has warned citizens not to “play with your vote or you’ll lose everything,” arguing the election was about preserving Moldova’s fragile democracy.
The PAS government now faces the challenge of reining in corruption, stabilizing the economy, and managing Russia’s influence, all while preparing Moldova for eventual EU membership.
As Europe applauds and Russia fumes,
