Parliamentary elections in Moldova show that the EU is the only option for Moldovans

Spas Krainin, BNR, September 29, 2025

Intro

On September 28, 2025, parliamentary elections were held in the Republic of Moldova, which were decisively won by President Maia Sandu’s Action and Solidarity Party. At 2:00 p.m. on September 29, 2025, with 99.96% of the votes counted, the Action and Solidarity Party had 50.17% of the votes, securing 55 seats in the 101-seat parliament. In second place is the Patriotic Bloc, which brings together the country’s socialist and communist parties, with 24.18% of the votes. In third place is the Alternative Bloc, with 7.97%, which positions itself as pro-European, despite being led by figures associated with the pro-Russian tendency in the country years ago. Renato Usatîi’s Our Party (6.2%), which was expected to be a coalition partner of PAS if PAS did not obtain a majority, and the unionist party Democracy at Home also entered the Moldovan parliament.

It is a cliché to interpret the Moldovan elections exclusively in geopolitical terms. However, the results clearly show that the EU is the only option for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. The country can only rely on the EU for the funds, experience, and standards it needs for its development and modernization. Mired in the war in Ukraine and its negative internal and external consequences, Russia does not have a viable socio-economic model that can compete with the European one. This is clearly understood by Moldovans. This is how the PAS party won the elections both in the country and in the diaspora.

The day after the parliamentary elections in Moldova, Bulgarian National Radio’s “Horizon” program invited Vladimir Mitev to comment on the results, the fight against disinformation during the elections, and whether Moldovans can currently be a source of inspiration for Bulgarians with their European dream.

Moderator: We turn our attention to Moldova, where pro-European President Maia Sandu won the presidential election with over 54% of the vote. To analyze the elections that took place there, we invited journalist Vladimir Mitev. Good morning, Mr. Mitev.

Vladimir Mitev: Good morning.

Results and geopolitical statement

We await your initial analysis and comments. For many analysts, the election of a pro-European president is a clear statement by Moldova that it is following the European path and breaking with pro-Russian political sentiments in the country. Can we rejoice in this success, or is it a temporary result, and things are different when it comes to domestic politics?

I would like to start with a small correction, as you mentioned that President Maia Sandu’s PAS (Party of Action and Solidarity) won 54% of the vote. With almost 100% of the votes counted (only three polling stations remain uncounted), the PAS result is 50.15%.

The main competitor, the Patriotic Bloc (of communists and socialists), obtained 24%, and the Alternative bloc obtained 8%. These are followed by two small parties: Renato Usatîi’s Our Party and a unionist party (for union between the Republic of Moldova and Romania – note of the translator), which obtained about 6%.

As for commentary, in my opinion, these elections show something that is not difficult to guess: at this moment, the Republic of Moldova has no other path, no other alternative than the European Union.

The country has been facing serious problems for a long time – it is often called the poorest in Europe. It has problems with development and infrastructure. Overall inflation over the past four years has been 65%, partly as a result of the war in Ukraine and rising energy prices. To solve these numerous problems, the government is pursuing a foreign policy focused on the core of the EU.

Countries such as France, Germany, and Poland have expressed their strong support for Maia Sandu. In addition, the economic impetus comes largely from the European Union. Perhaps this helps us understand why, somewhat unexpectedly, PAS achieved such a good result.

The so-called “Russian threat” is always present in Moldovan elections; they are always viewed from a geopolitical perspective. Perhaps this is not the only correct way to view elections in Moldova, but if we accept the geopolitical point of view, the EU has something to offer. Meanwhile, Russia, due to the war and many other problems, does not seem to offer a clear alternative. In fact, there is no alternative. The results show that the only way forward is towards the European Union.

The fight against disinformation and accusations of authoritarianism

How is Moldova managing to combat disinformation? We know that during elections, various forces are activated with the aim of gaining political dividends. As someone who follows developments in this country, have you noticed such a battle in the field of disinformation in Moldova?

It is said that Moldova is a testing ground where various disinformation strategies are tried out, which, depending on their degree of success, can also be applied elsewhere, for example in Romania.

Ultimately, however, we see that citizens do not seem to have been significantly influenced, as the results show a clear victory for PAS. A coalition was expected, it was expected that no one would have a majority, there were scenarios for an alliance between PAS and small parties, such as that of Renato Usatîi. In the end, it seems that PAS won 55 seats out of a total of 101 in parliament on its own.

Of course, we must pay attention to the fact that Moldovan security services have clearly been strengthened in recent years. Before the elections, just hours and days before, some of the parties in the opposition blocs were eliminated due to suspicions about their financing.

This approach was criticized by opponents, with the other camp often expressing criticism of the growing authoritarianism in the country. But in any case, given the high voter turnout in Moldova, the need for a pro-European course is obvious. Accusations of disinformation or manipulation always exist, but this result shows that it is not significant enough to change the will of the people. People truly believe that this party is the solution.

The dreams of Moldovans

How to end this conversation? Over the weekend, I listened to former Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky on one of our television channels. Don’t respond directly to her words. But she said that Moldovans currently have very bold dreams. While we in Bulgaria rely on pessimism, we must take inspiration from the experience of Moldovans, who showed their bold dreams in the elections. As an analyst, do you agree with this?

I think I can only agree to a certain extent, because Moldova still has very serious social and economic problems. I don’t think these “dreams” you’re talking about are the only things that exist there. Of course, there is an ambitious elite, often educated in the West. Perhaps this is what Ms. Neynsky is referring to.

But, for example, as far as I know, the employees of the Moldovan equivalent of BDZ (the Bulgarian equivalent of the Romanian state railway company CFR – translator’s note) have not been paid for several months. There are all kinds of social problems that the government, beneath the surface of this important geopolitical choice, which is important for us and for them, may not be handling in the best way. There is criticism in this regard.

That is why I would like us to be sober in our attitude and sympathy towards Moldova, so that we can see what else needs to be done and not assume that everything is complete, perfect, and that there is nothing left to do.

My colleague, journalist Vladimir Mitev from the Romanian editorial office of Radio National Bulgaria. Thank you.

Photo: Moldovan President Maia Sandu’s PAS party won the presidential election on September 28, 2025, with an overwhelming majority (source: YouTube)

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