Moldova Bans Two Pro‑Russian Parties Linked to Ilan Shor

Moldova’s Central Electoral Commission barred two pro‑Russian parties, Moldova Mare (Greater Moldova) and Heart of Moldova, from Sunday’s parliamentary vote, citing alleged illegal and undeclared foreign financing and large‑scale vote‑buying tied to a previously outlawed network. Authorities say investigations uncovered coordinated disinformation, prompted raids and dozens of detentions, and alleged a plot to foment unrest with ties to Moscow and fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor; the excluded parties call the moves political persecution. The ballot is framed as a geopolitical turning point that will decide whether Moldova continues its EU accession course or drifts toward Russia, placing President Maia Sandu’s pro‑EU PAS under pressure amid economic grievances boosting opposition support. Moldovan officials say the measures comply with national law and aim to ensure transparent polls, while Western partners have increased election oversight and support. Analysts warn Moscow may seek to fracture Moldova’s EU consensus or exploit post‑election protests and legitimacy disputes, and Moscow has formally protested Chisinau’s refusal to accredit Russian observers, heightening diplomatic tensions.