Bucharest, Romania (AP) — Moldovan President Maia Sandu issued a stark warning on Tuesday, citing a "race against time" for her country's democracy amidst alleged Russian attempts to manipulate the parliamentary elections scheduled for this month.
In an address delivered to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Sandu emphasized that the upcoming September 28 election, which will determine the new composition of Moldova's 101-seat legislature, is pivotal, describing it as the “most consequential” in the history of the EU candidate country.
Sandu reiterated existing claims that Moscow is engaging in a comprehensive “hybrid war” against Moldova. According to her, these efforts involve disinformation campaigns, vote-buying, illicit funding of political parties, and an array of other tactics aimed at destabilizing the upcoming election and disrupting Moldova's ambitions of EU membership.
“The Kremlin's goal is clear: to capture Moldova through the ballot box, to use us against Ukraine, and to turn us into a launchpad for hybrid attacks on the European Union,” Sandu asserted. “If our democracy cannot be protected, then no democracy in Europe is safe.” Sandu explained that the election outcome will be decisive for Moldova's trajectory—whether it can steadfastly remain on the path of democracy or be swayed by alleged Russian destabilization efforts.
“Today we face an unlimited hybrid war on a scale unseen before the full invasion of Ukraine,” she added. Meanwhile, Moscow has repeatedly denied involvement in Moldova’s internal affairs.
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, expressed admiration for Sandu’s resolve, stating, “We are all deeply impressed by your determination, courage, and steadfast commitment to Moldova's people,” and emphasized the parliament's unified support for Moldova’s democratic journey towards EU membership.
The European Parliament is set to discuss a resolution on enhancing Moldova's resilience against Russian “hybrid threats and malign interference,” with a vote anticipated on Wednesday.
Sandu’s remarks come in the wake of a visit by the leaders of France, Germany, and Poland to Moldova, marking 34 years since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union. The approaching parliamentary elections are crucial in determining Moldova's geopolitical future—whether it can sustain its EU alignment or revert to Russian influence.
“It is a race against time, to anchor our democracy inside the (European) Union, where it will be protected from the greatest threat we face: Russia,” Sandu declared.
The pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), founded by Sandu in 2016, secured a majority in the 2021 parliamentary election. However, it now faces the risk of losing its majority on September 28, with no other clear pro-European options on the ballot.
Amid Russia's full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine in 2022, Moldova applied for EU membership and obtained candidate status that same year, with Brussels agreeing to begin accession talks last year.
“Precisely because we have advanced greatly on this path, Russia has unleashed its full arsenal of hybrid attacks against us,” Sandu noted. “The battlefield is our elections.” Last year, Moldovans narrowly voted to secure the country’s EU path on the same day as a presidential election, which saw Sandu re-elected. However, those elections were marred by allegations of Russian interference, which Moscow denied.
Siegfried Muresan, Chair of the European Parliament's delegation to Moldova, emphasized in a statement that “Moldova is a priority for EU security, not just EU enlargement,” highlighting the strategic importance of a stable Moldova. “A stronger Moldova means a weaker Russia at our borders,” he stated. Muresan also noted that this week’s plenary session will feature a resolution reaffirming support for Moldova's EU path and urging the Council to commence negotiations on the country’s accession process. (AP)
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