Why Moldova’s Upcoming Parliamentary Election Matters

Moldova will hold parliamentary elections on September 28, a vote that could have far-reaching implications for its bid to join the European Union while testing its ability to withstand alleged Russian interference in domestic affairs.

Situated between Romania and Ukraine, the country of 2.4 million faces a decisive moment. Here’s what to expect:

Who is running?
The ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) is hoping to retain its majority, but faces a strong challenge from a new alliance of pro-Russian opposition parties, known as the Patriotic Bloc.

Recent polls suggest PAS could lose its outright majority in the 101-seat parliament, forcing it to seek coalition partners among smaller groups that manage to cross the 5–7% electoral threshold. These could include the pro-Russian “Our Party” and the nominally pro-European “Alternative Bloc.”

What are the key issues?
For PAS, EU membership—something it hopes to achieve by 2030—is central to Moldova’s future and a direct counter to Russia’s efforts to keep the former Soviet republic within its sphere of influence.

Officials in Chișinău accuse Moscow of trying to destabilize the country by fueling an energy crisis and stoking anti-government sentiment to derail the EU bid. The stakes extend beyond Moldova: for Europe, the outcome is part of a broader struggle to curb Russian influence following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In August, the leaders of France, Germany, and Poland visited Chișinău to show support for pro-EU President Maia Sandu, a vocal critic of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Sandu, first elected in 2020 and re-elected last year, has described the upcoming vote as the most important in the country’s history.

Domestically, however, Moldovans remain frustrated by high inflation and the government’s limited progress on its promise to root out corruption. In a 2024 referendum, voters narrowly backed Sandu’s push for EU membership with just over 50% in favor.

What role does parliament play?
Like in many European countries, Moldova’s parliamentary system gives the legislature significant influence, including over the formation of government.

A PAS-controlled parliament would keep Moldova’s EU accession process on track—a path requiring major legislative reforms. But a fragmented or pro-Russian parliament could stall or derail the effort, setting off a prolonged political struggle.

What about Russian interference?
Sandu has accused Moscow of waging “hybrid warfare” by spreading disinformation, illegally funding political parties, and attempting to buy voters. Police have carried out several raids in recent weeks targeting illegal financing.

Russia denies meddling and instead accuses Moldovan authorities of whipping up anti-Russian sentiment to sway the election in their favor.