Moldova’s parliamentary election on 28 September 2025 delivered a clear lead for the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), reinforcing the government’s orientation towards Brussels despite strong accusations of Russian meddling and domestic tensions.
PAS secures a majority lead
With nearly all ballots counted, PAS has taken close to half of the vote, giving it a projected 55 of the 101 seats in parliament. This result allows the ruling party to retain a working majority without the need for broad coalition deals. The outcome provides President Maia Sandu and her party with a mandate to continue pursuing European Union integration, a policy that has defined her leadership since taking office.
Opposition trails behind
The pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc, led by former president Igor Dodon, captured around a quarter of the vote, well below its ambitions. Several smaller parties, including the Alternative bloc, Our Party and Democracy at Home, also entered parliament, but none poses a serious challenge to PAS’s dominance. Opposition leaders, however, have signalled potential protests and legal challenges, claiming unfair conditions in the run-up to the vote.
Election clouded by interference claims
The campaign was overshadowed by accusations of Russian involvement in attempts to sway public opinion. Authorities reported detaining more than 70 individuals linked to a Russia-backed plot to disrupt the process, while observers highlighted extensive disinformation campaigns and threats designed to intimidate voters. The government also barred the pro-Russian Heart of Moldova party from contesting the election, citing legal violations, a move critics described as politically motivated.
A strategic choice for Moldova
For many Moldovans, the election was a choice between deeper integration with the European Union and a return to Russia’s sphere of influence. PAS’s victory signals continued alignment with Western institutions, though it also raises the risk of further political pressure from Moscow. The outcome will likely embolden efforts to implement EU-backed reforms, but managing economic pressures and domestic dissatisfaction remains a major challenge.
Looking forward
The immediate task for the new parliament will be to form a stable government capable of pushing through reforms while addressing concerns over living costs and corruption. With a reinforced majority, PAS now faces the test of translating electoral success into durable governance, even as external interference and internal opposition persist.
Newshub Editorial in Europe – 29 September 2025
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