Moldova is preparing for its parliamentary elections on September 28, 2025, a pivotal event that will shape the nation's political direction for the next four years and significantly impact its foreign policy and geopolitical alignment.
Amid heightened regional tensions, concerns about alleged Russian interference are prominent. Accusations suggest Moscow is cultivating online influence networks and providing financial support to pro-Russian political entities within Moldova. The Parliament of Moldova officially confirmed the election date on April 17, 2025, with the campaign period commencing in late July 2025. Political parties are already actively engaged in pre-campaign activities.
The Central Election Commission (CEC) anticipates a substantial voter turnout, estimating that approximately 2.8 million Moldovan citizens will vote, including a significant portion of the diaspora, whose participation has historically been decisive. Experts suggest the Russian Federation is channeling millions of dollars to further its strategic interests through online influence operations and financial backing of pro-Russian factions. The European Parliament has stated it will not tolerate Russian meddling in democratic processes, with reports indicating Russia has invested upwards of €200 million in propaganda and hybrid warfare tactics to impede Moldova's European integration.
Russia's methods reportedly include the use of cryptocurrencies, synthetic media, and targeted disinformation campaigns aimed at Moldovan citizens abroad to discourage their participation or influence their voting decisions. The election is widely seen as a crucial determinant of Moldova's foreign policy orientation, significantly influencing its relationships with neighboring powers and its trajectory toward integration with the European Union.
The pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, currently holds a majority in Parliament but faces a resurgent opposition. Current polling data suggests a closely contested election, with PAS projected to garner approximately 33.8% of the vote, while the pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc, led by former president Igor Dodon, is polling around 30.1%. The election results are expected to necessitate coalition formations, highlighting the importance of inter-party cooperation.
The influence of the diaspora vote is particularly noteworthy, having proven decisive in past elections, including the 2024 presidential election and EU accession referendum. Russia has reportedly made efforts to undermine the integrity of these diaspora votes through allegations of falsification and disinformation campaigns. The CEC is expanding polling stations abroad to facilitate voting, but the dynamics of diaspora voting remain a sensitive issue and a potential avenue for foreign interference.
Moldova's pursuit of deeper integration with Western democracies and its commitment to EU accession have been bolstered by regional developments. Situated strategically between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova's democratic resilience is a significant indicator for the broader geopolitical landscape. Consequently, the upcoming parliamentary elections are a crucial test of Moldova's capacity to withstand external pressures and firmly establish its sovereign path forward.