Moldova's pro-EU government edges towards majority in pivotal vote

Source: Reuters

CHISINAU, Moldova, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Moldova's ruling pro-EU party pulled comfortably ahead of its Russian-leaning rival in a crucial parliamentary election as final results trickled in on Monday, a relief for the government as it seeks to keep the country out of Moscow's orbit. With around 93% of votes counted, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) had 47% versus 27% for the Patriotic Bloc, which opposes closer ties with Brussels.

While still short of a majority in the 101-seat chamber, the preliminary count gets PAS closer to the threshold than many political analysts had expected and could make coalition-building less fraught than feared. And with more ballots to come in from overseas voters, who tend to favour integration with Europe, it remains possible PAS will get over 50% in the final tally. Holding on to its parliamentary majority would allow the party to keep Moldova's EU bid on track, a process requiring years of concerted legislative efforts.

…Authorities late on Sunday had warned of attempts to stir unrest following the vote, part of a campaign that they blamed on Russian-backed efforts to disrupt the election if it did not go in the bloc's favour. Moldova - a former Soviet republic of 2.4 million people that has been buffeted by the war in neighbouring Ukraine, alleged Russian interference and energy shortages - has long vacillated between Russia and Europe.

Opposition groups like the Patriotic Bloc had sought to tap into voter anger over economic pain and the slow pace of reforms - grievances worsened by what officials say has been widespread disinformation. Inflation remains stubbornly high at around 7%, while Moldovans also shoulder higher costs for imported energy. But the stronger-than-expected electoral performance by PAS suggests its platform of European integration and breaking with Russia still resonates among wide swathes of voters.


Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/moldovas-pro-eu-government-edges-towards-majority-pivotal-vote-2025-09-28/