With Moldova’s parliamentary elections set for September 28, President Maia Sandu has raised alarms about what she calls the primary threats to the democratic process: electoral corruption and illegal external financing from Russia.
Sandu warned that the Russian Federation is planning “unprecedented interference” to gain influence over the country and destabilize its pro-European trajectory. Her claims come amid broader efforts by her Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) to maintain its majority in the face of mounting opposition.
Pro-Russian Bloc Emerges as Moldova Warns of Threats to Sovereignty and Europe Path
Russia has rejected all accusations of interference, asserting it has no intention of meddling in Moldova’s internal affairs. Despite this, four pro-Russian parties have announced plans to unite into a political bloc with the goal of ousting the current government.
These parties are aligned against Moldova’s EU ambitions and are seeking to reverse the country’s growing distance from Moscow. The clash highlights a deeper geopolitical battle playing out within Moldova’s borders.
President Sandu described the situation as a direct threat to Moldova’s sovereignty and national security. She emphasized that foreign interference, particularly from Russia, could jeopardize the country’s path toward EU membership by 2030.
Moldova has already accused Russia of similar interference during the 2023 presidential election and a referendum on joining the EU. These accusations, repeatedly denied by Moscow, add to the growing mistrust between the two nations.
Cryptocurrency Funding, Cyber Threats, and Election Bans Deepen Moldova’s Pre-Election Political Turmoil
Sandu alleged that Russia plans to funnel around €100 million primarily through cryptocurrencies into Moldova to buy votes and manipulate the election outcome. She pointed to various possible tactics such as cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and orchestrated protests. Although the claims have not been substantiated with direct evidence, they have intensified concerns over the transparency and integrity of the upcoming vote.
As of July polling, Sandu’s PAS leads with 27.4% support, while the opposition Socialists trail with 10.4%. However, the political balance could shift if pro-Russian forces gain traction. The Central Election Commission has already blocked the newly formed pro-Russian Victory bloc, backed by exiled oligarch Ilan Shor, citing violations of electoral finance laws.
Shor and his allies have condemned the decision, framing it as politically motivated. The legal and political battles in the lead-up to the election reflect the broader struggle for Moldova’s democratic direction.
