Moldova Faces Critical Election Amid Russian Interference Allegations

Fri Oct 17 2025 13:31:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Moldova prepares for a pivotal election, allegations of Russian interference hang heavily over the event, prompting citizens to rally for pro-European policies.

Moldova is bracing for a significant parliamentary election with allegations of unprecedented Russian interference surfacing. The governing party, PAS, and its supporters are rallying to ensure a pro-European path, fearing a return to pro-Kremlin politics. Reports highlight evidence of vote-buying and plots for violent unrest linked to Russian operatives, with police stating that Russian investments in interference have quadrupled since the last elections. Amidst economic struggles post-Ukraine war, the election outcome could shape Moldova's future geopolitical alignment.

Moldova Faces Critical Election Amid Russian Interference Allegations

The crowd filing through central Chisinau waving EU flags on Friday evening was clear: they believe Russia is trying to steal their election and bring pro-Kremlin politicians to power in Moldova.

Their weapon is money, your weapon is your vote!, was the loudest chant as several hundred supporters of the governing party, PAS, and its pro-European policies joined the final rally before Sunday's ballot.

This week Moldovan police and prosecutors disclosed evidence of election interference on an unprecedented scale: vote-buying and disinformation that they link directly to Russia. They've also uncovered a plot to foment violent unrest, detaining dozens of men who travelled to Serbia for training including in the use of firearms.

Opposition parties dismiss talk of Russian meddling as a political show claiming the government is laying the ground to annul the vote should PAS lose its majority in parliament. But Moldova took a decisive turn towards EU membership and away from Moscow after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Now the evidence suggests Russia has been investing heavily in restoring its influence.

Final battle?

Lodged between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova has been independent since the USSR fell apart more than three decades ago. Last summer, it launched EU accession talks in tandem with Ukraine. Prime Minister Dorin Recean sees these elections as a final battle for his country.

The choice for Moldovans

Moldova isn't rich, even in wine-producing spots like Cricova, and huge numbers have left the country to seek better lives and incomes overseas. That's created a diaspora so large that its vote has become decisive. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the surge in energy prices has strained the economy to near zero growth.

Beyond PAS, the choice on Sunday includes the Patriotic Bloc made up primarily of the Socialist and Communist parties. Another bloc, Alternativa, posits itself as pro-EU but includes candidates with questionable backgrounds.

Unprecedented interference

The only documented efforts to warp Moldova's elections so far have been by Russia, with police reporting that Russia invested more than $100 million overall last year, a figure that has tripled for the current election.

Disorder

Police chief Cernăuțeanu highlights concerns over a plot for violent unrest where over 100 men were detained for attending training in Serbia for disruptive actions.