Moldova's Election Defines EU Path Amid Russia Interference

Moldova is holding a crucial parliamentary election that could determine whether the country continues its European integration or reverts to Russia's sphere of influence. The ruling pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), which has governed since 2021, faces a tight race against several Russia-friendly parties amid allegations of extensive Russian interference, including cyberattacks, disinformation, illicit financing, and vote-buying schemes. PAS leader Igor Grosu framed the election as a stark choice between peace, represented by the EU, and war, represented by Russia, emphasizing the high stakes and existential nature of the vote. Moldova's president Maia Sandu and government officials have warned of an unprecedented hybrid attack by Russia aimed at unseating the pro-European government. Opposition groups include the Patriotic Electoral Bloc, with strong Kremlin ties and Soviet nostalgia, and the Alternative Electoral Bloc, which questions the commitment to EU integration. The election outcome will significantly influence Moldova's future trajectory, with fears that pseudo-European actors could undermine the country's EU path from within.