Why are Moldova's parliamentary elections on Sunday so important?

"Moldova will vote this Sunday in parliamentary elections that its president has described as the most important in the history of the small country. The results will confirm if Moldova, a former Soviet republic that gained independence in 1991, continues on its path of western integration, or moves back into Russia's orbit. The future of Moldova, a country of 2.4 million people, nestled between Ukraine and Romania, is being closely watched across the continent."

"After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Moldova applied for EU membership, secured candidate status in record time and now hopes to join the union by 2030. Sandu was re-elected president in elections last year, but a referendum on the country's EU membership was won by a razor-thin majority, raising questions about Moldova's long-term direction. Both polls were marked by accusations of Russian interference, including a massive voter bribery scheme,"

Moldova faces a pivotal parliamentary election that could determine whether the country continues western integration or moves toward Russian influence. The country’s location between Ukraine and Romania amplifies its strategic importance for Europe and NATO. President Maia Sandu’s pro-European party won in 2021 and she secured re-election, and Moldova applied for EU membership and obtained candidate status with hopes to join by 2030. A narrow referendum result and accusations of Russian interference, including an alleged $15m voter bribery scheme, have raised concerns. Current polls show the governing party may lose a parliamentary majority, complicating reforms needed for EU accession.

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