Moldova’s Pro-European Party Secures Election Victory

Published: 29 September 2025. the English Chronicle Desk

Moldova’s political landscape took a decisive turn on Sunday as the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, claimed a commanding victory in parliamentary elections that observers have described as critical for the country’s future trajectory toward European Union integration. With nearly all votes counted, PAS secured roughly 50.17% of the popular vote, translating into a new parliamentary majority, while the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc trailed with 24.18%, according to the Central Electoral Commission. Voter turnout stood at 52%, marking an increase compared to recent election cycles, signaling heightened public engagement in the nation’s pivotal political moment.

President Sandu, whose leadership has centered on anti-corruption reforms and European alignment, warned of “massive Russian interference” during the election, highlighting the geopolitical stakes for Moldova, a small country wedged between Ukraine and Romania. In a post-election statement, she underscored the importance of the results for ensuring Moldova’s sovereignty and democratic consolidation, indicating that external attempts to influence the vote were actively resisted by Moldovan civil society and electoral institutions.

Igor Grosu, PAS leader and a close ally of Sandu, acknowledged the pressure from Russia, remarking that Moscow had thrown “everything it had” at the election in an attempt to sway results. The significance of this electoral victory lies not only in the immediate parliamentary majority—PAS is expected to secure 55 of the 101 seats—but also in the broader message it sends about Moldova’s commitment to European integration and its resistance to foreign influence in domestic political affairs.

The opposition, led by Igor Dodon, former president and a prominent pro-Russian figure, attempted to challenge the outcome even before official results were announced. Dodon called for protests outside the parliament in Chisinau on Monday. However, the demonstration was limited in scale, attended mainly by pensioners, and did not generate any substantive political momentum. Analysts noted that the muted response underscored the broad support PAS enjoyed across urban and rural constituencies and the limited capacity of the pro-Russian opposition to mobilize effective resistance.

International reactions to the election results were swift and largely supportive of Moldova’s pro-European course. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the outcome, writing on social media, “You made your choice clear: Europe. Democracy. Freedom.” Similarly, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised President Sandu for having “saved democracy” and successfully countered Russia’s efforts to exert influence over the region, framing the Moldovan elections as a crucial lesson for European nations regarding the resilience of democratic institutions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed his support, emphasizing that the elections demonstrated that Russia’s destabilizing actions were ineffective and that Moldova’s European integration efforts had gained significant traction.

Russia, meanwhile, voiced concerns over the voting process, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighting the limited polling infrastructure for Moldovan voters residing in Russia. Peskov claimed that “hundreds of thousands of Moldovans were deprived of the opportunity to vote” due to the presence of only two polling stations, suggesting that logistical challenges had potentially suppressed pro-Russian support abroad.

Sunday’s election marked a continuation of a trend in Moldovan politics where the electorate has consistently favored pro-European candidates over their pro-Russian counterparts. Four years ago, PAS secured 52.8% of the vote, allowing Sandu to consolidate her political influence and pursue reforms aimed at curbing corruption, strengthening judicial independence, and reinforcing ties with the European Union. The current victory not only affirms public endorsement of this trajectory but also positions PAS to form a government independently, without reliance on smaller parties such as the Alternativa bloc or the populist Our Party.

Political analysts suggest that this electoral outcome may have implications for the wider Eastern European region, particularly amid ongoing tensions in Ukraine and growing concerns over Russian influence in former Soviet states. Moldova’s clear vote in favor of European alignment sends a signal that domestic democratic institutions can withstand external pressure and that pro-European forces remain influential in shaping the country’s political direction.

Despite the strong showing by PAS, observers caution that challenges remain. Economic instability, ongoing energy dependence on Russia, and social disparities continue to affect Moldova’s governance landscape. Nonetheless, the parliamentary majority secured by PAS grants the party considerable latitude to implement legislative priorities aimed at strengthening Moldova’s integration into European structures and mitigating potential external pressures.

In addition to domestic and regional implications, the international community will be closely monitoring Moldova’s next steps, particularly in areas such as judicial reform, anti-corruption measures, and the negotiation of EU association agreements. The resounding support for Sandu’s party may accelerate reforms and bolster confidence among European partners regarding Moldova’s commitment to democratic governance and rule of law.

In summary, the 2025 parliamentary elections in Moldova have reaffirmed the country’s pro-European direction under President Maia Sandu and the PAS, while highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by Russian attempts at interference. The emphatic victory provides a mandate for governance reform, European integration, and the strengthening of democratic institutions, signaling that Moldova’s electorate is committed to a future aligned with European norms and values. The international community has largely celebrated the results as a triumph for democracy in a region facing geopolitical pressures, marking a significant moment in Moldova’s post-Soviet political evolution.