Moldova’s Pro-EU Party Leads in Key Vote
Chisinau, Moldova (AP) — Moldova’s ruling pro-European party is leading in a big election that has been shaken by claims of Russian interference.
This vote is seen as a choice: join the European Union or move closer to Russia.
Current Results
With 92% of votes counted:
- Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS): 46.6%
- Patriotic Electoral Bloc (pro-Russia): 26.6%
- Alternativa Bloc (Russia-leaning): 8.6%
- Our Party (wants balance): 6.3%
- Democracy at Home Party: 5.7%
It is not yet clear if PAS will win a majority.
Stephen McGrath, Associated Press Source
Problems During Voting
Election day saw many troubles:
- Bomb threats at stations abroad.
- Cyberattacks on systems.
- People paid to vote or moved illegally to polling sites.
- Over 300 reported issues, like voters taking photos of ballots.
- Police arrested several suspects who planned to cause riots.
Voter Turnout
- 1.59 million people voted (about 52% of voters).
- 276,000 Moldovans abroad cast ballots. Their votes could decide the final result.
- In past elections, most people abroad voted for pro-EU parties.
Moldovan president Maia Sandu talks to the media outside a polling station after casting her vote in Chisinau, Moldova on September 28, 2025. Andrei Pungovschi/Getty Images) Source
Russia’s Role
Moldovan leaders say Russia tried to:
- Buy votes
- Spread false news online
- Hack government systems
- Train groups to start riots
Police stopped some groups before the vote. Russia denies these claims.
A supporter of the pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), draped in the Moldovan flag, smiles as he checks partial results on a phone after the polls closed for the parliamentary election, in Chisinau, Moldova on Sunday. Photo: AP Source
Leaders Speak Out
- PAS leader Igor Grosu: “Russia tried hard to hijack the election, but we worked to keep it safe.”
- President Maia Sandu: said she voted “to keep peace” and wants Moldova in the EU.
- Former President Igor Dodon: claimed the ruling party is “in panic” and breaking the rules.
Why This Matters
- Moldova has 2.5 million people.
- It sits between Ukraine and Romania.
- In 2022, Moldova became a candidate to join the EU.
- But many citizens face high prices, poverty, and hardship, making them lose faith in the ruling party.
Voices of the People
- Cristian Iftodi, economist: “This is the most important election. Moldova can help the EU be stronger.”
- Igor Mihailov, student: “The government should work for us, the people.”
In short: Moldova’s pro-EU party is leading, but Russian influence, election day problems, and economic struggles leave the future uncertain.
Source: PBS NewsHour — “Moldova’s pro-EU party leads polls in election fraught with Russian interference claims” (via PBS)