Despite the small size, Moldova is An important logistics node between the EU and Kiev. The pro -Russian government in Chisinau could complicate the warfare of Ukraine – and the premiere of Maia Sandu even warns that its country can become a stop for the infiltration of the south of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, if the Party of Action and Solidarity fails to maintain the majority, as the polls suggest, may have difficulty creating a ruling coalition. This will open the door for eurosceptic and pro -Russian forces to take control in Chisinau. Sandu warned this week that the Kremlin would not go back to anything to influence the election result – even the issue of hundreds of millions of euros to buy key voices.
– This is a key moment for Moldova, more than any other in the last 35 years of independence from the Soviet Union – says in an interview with Politico Nicu Popescu, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, currently starting from the list of Pas. “The stake is not only the European integration of Moldova. It is largely about Moldova's freedom and her independence. “
“The biggest enemy of the belt is now”
Since Sandu and her party on the wave of optimism have won decisive victories in 2020 and 2021, their support has dropped, mainly due to the negative impact of the economic invasion of Russia on Ukraine. The case was also worse by Moscow's constant disinformation campaigns.
– Of course, there is always a discrepancy between expectations and the implementation of election promises. Moldova is struggling with the same problems as other countries: inflation, purchasing power, energy costs – explains Popescu.
As Valeriu Pasa says, the head of Moldovan Think Tank Watchdog.MD, party The belt did not fulfill its promises regarding the fight against corruption and the reform of the judiciaryand also did not try to make contact with voters. “The biggest enemy is now a belt because it makes all possible mistakes.”
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As the belt is the only counting pro -European force in the country, Her problems also threaten the future of Moldova in the EU. Last fall, Sandu barely won a victory in a referendum on EU membership, and then slightly won the president's re -election.
This year, a pro -Russian patriotic election block, led by former President Igor Dodon, chases a belt in the polls and intends to create the next rowwhich would give him the right of veto regarding reforms required to integrate with the EU.
“Classic Kleptocratic Party”
A large block of undecided voters in Moldova and Russian votes can tilt the scales on Sunday, September 28. If the belt does not get the majority, which seems more and more likely, Experts predict that it will remain without reliable coalition partners – And in the Kremlin, traffic jams from champagne.
Two smaller parts oscillating around the electoral threshold in the polls are black horses. The alternative blok is positioned as a different option for pro -European and geopolitically neutral voters. However, with leaders related to pro -Russian parties, according to the Pasa, it is rather a “classic kleptocratic party”, which will ultimately stand on the side of the patriotic block.
Whoever runs may depend on our party Renato Usatii. This businessman who broke the fortune in Russia and helped Sandu win in 2020, She is used to playing on both sides in Moldovan politics. His party is the only one that can support the belt, but he can also work well with pro -Russian forces.
“You never know what the hell will do,” says the belt.
Geopolitical consequences of voting
At the end of August, European politicians came to Chisinov to persuade voters to support the Profty Government. As Sandu said on Monday, Moscow has spent huge sums of money – Not only to convince voters, but also to buy them.
– What distinguishes Moldova from other countries in Russia's crosshairs is the openness with which the Kremlin interferes with the affairs of this country. They don't ask themselves [Rosjanie] Already the hardship to hide her – says in an interview with Politico Victoria Olsari, a researcher of Moldova from the American Think Tank Atlantic Council.
Donald Tusk, Emmanuel Macron, Maia Sandu and Friedrich Merz in front of the Presidential Palace in Chisinau, 27 August 2025.Paweł Supernak / PAP
It is about disinformation campaigns distributed through fake websites, trolls and deepfakes generated by artificial intelligence. Sandu was the main goal, accused of everything: from the children of the children of Ukrainian refugees to buying sperm from Brad Pitt.
According to the olari Moscow also relied on the Orthodox churches and organized anti -government proteststo convince voters.
Unprecedented attempt to interfere in elections
Russia, however, goes even further, By allocating cash to buy votes on a large scale. The authorities estimate that during last year's elections over 130,000 Moldova citizens received money from the Russians. In a country with a regular attendance of approx. 1 million 500 thousand. voters this is a sufficient number to clearly affect the outcome of the vote.
Potential repercussions for the country and all of Europe are huge if Moscow's strategy turns out to be effective.
– Whoever controls the parliament, controls the government, and Moscow perceives this as a gate to destabilize not only Moldova, but also Ukraine and EU members – says in an interview with Politico Stanislav Secrier, an advisor to national security of Moldova.
From 2022, Moldova made great progress in terms of joining the EU from 2022, but the pro -Russian government can deraise this process, as was the case with Georgia. In addition to his own candidacy, Moldova can also worsen Ukraine's prospects because Both countries are informally connected in their aspirations to the EU.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
