On 28 September 2025, citizens of the Republic of Moldova went to the polls in a parliamentary election that carried consequences far beyond the country’s borders. The vote became a decisive test of whether this small Eastern European nation would deepen its European aspirations or drift back toward Moscow’s sphere of influence. With regional tensions heightened by Russia’s war in Ukraine and Moldova’s fragile economy under strain, the election served as a referendum on the country’s political identity and future.
Moldova has long found itself balancing two competing visions. On one side stands a pro-European camp advocating reforms, stronger democratic institutions and eventual European Union membership. On the other stands a pro-Russian bloc that emphasises historic ties, shared language and culture with Russia, and a foreign policy less aligned with Brussels.
This delicate equilibrium has been strained by external shocks. The conflict in neighbouring Ukraine has disrupted trade and energy supplies, leaving Moldovans grappling with high inflation and rising living costs. Internally, the unresolved status of the breakaway region of Transnistria and the autonomy of Gagauzia further complicate national politics. Against this backdrop, the 2025 elections became more than a routine contest for 101 parliamentary seats; they were widely viewed as a verdict on Moldova’s geopolitical trajectory.
The election was held under an updated Electoral Code adopted in 2022, designed to modernise procedures and enhance transparency. Voter turnout reached just over fifty-two per cent, slightly lower than in previous parliamentary contests. While the figure reflects a measure of voter fatigue, it still demonstrated robust engagement for a country facing economic and political uncertainty. To secure a governing majority, a party or coalition needed at least fifty-one seats.
The governing Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), closely associated with President Maia Sandu and led in parliament by Igor Grosu, campaigned on a pro-European platform. PAS promised to accelerate judicial reforms, strengthen anti-corruption measures and bring national legislation closer to European Union standards.
Challenging PAS were several groups with more Russia-leaning agendas. The Patriotic Electoral Bloc, under former president Igor Dodon, argued for a more balanced foreign policy and a focus on traditional ties with Moscow. Other smaller parties sought to capture votes from Moldovans disillusioned with both dominant narratives, including new centrist movements promising pragmatic governance.
The run-up to the election was marked by serious concerns over external interference and domestic restrictions. Western observers reported that Russian-linked disinformation campaigns intensified during the campaign, using social media networks and bot accounts to sow mistrust and amplify divisive narratives.
At the same time, Moldovan authorities faced criticism for measures taken to protect the vote. Several parties viewed as pro-Russian were disqualified or faced limitations, and a handful of media outlets had their licences revoked. Officials justified these steps as necessary to defend national security in the face of hybrid threats. Critics, however, warned that such actions risk narrowing political pluralism and undermining freedom of expression.
Beyond geopolitics, everyday concerns shaped voter sentiment. Moldova’s economy continues to struggle with slow growth, high energy costs and significant emigration. A substantial share of the workforce resides abroad, making diaspora voting influential and often skewed toward pro-European parties. Many Moldovans expressed frustration that, despite repeated promises of reform, poverty and limited job opportunities remain persistent.
When the votes were counted, the Party of Action and Solidarity achieved a clear majority, winning fifty-five of the 101 parliamentary seats. This result enables the party to govern without forming a coalition and provides a strong mandate for its pro-European agenda.
The Patriotic Electoral Bloc finished a distant second, securing just over a quarter of the vote and a significantly smaller presence in parliament. While still an important opposition force, it lacks the numbers to block PAS’s legislative programme. Smaller centrist and regional parties captured only a handful of seats, leaving the political landscape dominated by the PAS majority.
PAS’s victory signals a renewed commitment to European integration. The government is expected to push forward with anti-corruption efforts, reforms to strengthen the rule of law, and alignment with EU policies and standards. These steps will be crucial if Moldova is to progress toward eventual accession talks.
Relations with Russia, however, are likely to remain strained. Moscow has already voiced suspicion about the fairness of the vote and will watch closely as PAS consolidates power. How the government manages opposition voices, civil society and the rights of minorities will be critical in maintaining domestic stability and credibility abroad.
The 2025 parliamentary elections have given Moldova a decisive mandate for a European future, but also set high expectations. Success will depend on the government’s ability to deliver tangible economic improvements and protect democratic freedoms even while countering foreign interference. For a nation situated at the fault line between East and West, the choices made in the coming years will resonate not only within Moldova but across the wider region.
