Photo by Yuriy Vinnicov on Unsplash
MEPs have greeted the outcome of elections in Moldova which saw the pro-European party of Moldovan President Maia Sandu claim victory and a new majority in parliament.
She had warned of massive Russian interference after voting, saying the future of Moldova, flanked by Ukraine and Romania, was on the line.Igor Grosu, the leader of Sandu’s Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) secured about 50% of the vote.
The ECR Group congratulated the pro-European political forces in the Republic of Moldova on their success in the parliamentary elections.
Co-Chairmen Nicola Procaccini and Patryk Jaki hailed the result as a resounding mandate for democracy, stability and closer ties with the European Union.
“Moldovan citizens defied Russian interference, disinformation and pressure, showing their determination to live in freedom and anchor their future in Europe and the West.”
ECR Group Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said: “This is a remarkable victory for democracy and freedom. Moldovans stared down intimidation and disinformation, choosing the European path over Russia’s destructive intentions. President Maia Sandu has shown strong leadership in guiding her country towards the West, but it is the determination of the Moldovan people that has made this victory possible. Now it is up to the EU to reward that courage by providing tangible support on Moldova’s road towards membership.”
ECR Group Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki said: “The results of this historic election demonstrate that the Moldovan people have resisted Moscow’s manipulations and are determined to pursue their own path. They rejected the Kremlin’s bribes, propaganda and intimidation, and voted for a European future. The EU must now deliver – by strengthening Moldova’s security and economy – so that this choice is rewarded, not punished.”
EU High Rep Kaja Kallas said, “According to the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR, these elections were competitive, offered clear political alternatives, and were well organised, supported by a sound legal framework. Newly implemented laws and candidate eligibility requirements caused some issues, although the Central Electoral Commission has been forthcoming in solving them. The electoral campaign and the voting itself took place in a context of unprecedented and multi-faceted interference and pressure from Russia, as also noted by OSCE/ODIHR.”
“The EU strongly condemns relentless hybrid attacks by Russia and its proxies aimed at undermining the rule of law and democratic process in the Republic of Moldova, fostering destabilization in the country and fuelling polarization through massive use of disinformation, vote-buying, cyber-attacks, and training of violent provocateurs. We commend the citizens of the Republic of Moldova for their resilience and determination to resist Moscow’s malign interference and for safeguarding their choice. The EU also commends the relevant institutions of Republic of Moldova for their efforts in ensuring the integrity of the elections, despite sustained external manipulation and pressure.”
She added, “The EU looks forward to working closely with the new Parliament and incoming Government to advance EU accession and the implementation of the Reform Agenda, as well as enhancing the country’s resilience and economic growth.”
“The future of the Republic of Moldova and its citizens lies within the European Union. We commend the Republic of Moldova for the quality and fast pace of its accession-related reforms and welcome the significant progress achieved so far. We stand ready to take the next steps in the accession process in line with the merit-based approach, and to further advance the accession negotiations.”
