Moscow, Oct. 18, 2024 – The Kremlin has criticized Moldova’s recent elections, claiming they were neither free nor fair, and raised concerns about the integrity of the results. Russian officials allege that Western interference influenced the vote, which included a referendum on the country’s aspirations for closer ties with the European Union.
“The elections in Moldova were conducted under significant external pressure, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of both the process and the outcome,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Allegations of Western Interference
Russian officials have repeatedly accused the European Union and the United States of meddling in Moldova’s political landscape. Moscow claims that Western actors provided financial support and media influence to sway public opinion toward pro-European candidates.
“This election cannot be considered independent. It reflects the preferences of outside forces, not the will of the Moldovan people,” Peskov said, adding that the Kremlin would scrutinize the results carefully.
Pro-European Shift in Moldova
Preliminary results suggest that Moldova’s pro-European parties secured a significant lead, with over 50% of voters in the referendum supporting closer integration with the EU. This result is seen as a setback for Moscow, which has long sought to maintain its influence in Moldova, a former Soviet republic.
Moldova’s President Maia Sandu has championed EU membership as a way to boost the country’s economy and distance it from Russian political influence. In response to the Kremlin’s remarks, the Moldovan government dismissed the allegations as “unfounded attempts to undermine democratic processes.”
Moscow-Moldova Relations Strained
Tensions between Moldova and Russia have been growing since Moldova expelled Russian diplomats earlier this year and accused Moscow of attempting to destabilize the country through political interference. Moscow, in turn, has reduced gas supplies to Moldova, increasing economic pressure.
Analysts suggest that Moldova’s shift toward the EU could further strain relations with Russia. “This election marks a turning point for Moldova, and Moscow is clearly unhappy with the direction things are heading,” said regional analyst Valeriy Kostov.
While the election results reflect a strong desire for European integration, Moldova faces challenges in navigating the economic and political repercussions of distancing itself from Russia. The Kremlin has hinted that it may impose further economic sanctions or take diplomatic measures in response to Moldova’s EU aspirations.
With tensions high, Moldova’s path toward the EU will require careful diplomacy to avoid further escalation with Russia, which still holds influence over the country’s breakaway region of Transnistria.
For now, the Moldovan government is celebrating the results as a step forward toward European integration, while Moscow signals that it is not ready to let go of its influence in the region without a fight.