Moldova’s PAS wins majority in parliament
Pro-European party secures mandate to pursue EU accession by 2030
Moldova’s pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) won a decisive parliamentary victory, securing just over 50% of the vote compared with about 24% for the Russian-leaning Patriotic Bloc, according to near-final tallies from the electoral commission. The result gives PAS a clear mandate to pursue EU integration, bolstering the government’s stated aim of joining the bloc by 2030.
PAS leader Igor Grosu thanked voters after polls closed. Pre-election polls had shown a close race, but the final count hands PAS a potential single-party majority or a dominant position in parliament. Observers say the outcome marks a turning point in the country’s long-standing tug-of-war between pro-European and pro-Russian orientations.
The campaign was tense: authorities accused Russia of attempting to influence the vote through disinformation and vote-buying—charges Moscow denied—and election officials removed two pro-Russian parties from the ballot amid allegations of illegal financing. Both sides accused each other of foul play during the run-up to and on election day.
Patriotic Bloc co-leader Igor Dodon urged supporters to protest in front of parliament and alleged, without presenting evidence, that the government planned to annul the results; authorities are monitoring whether those protests materialize. International observers noted the vote was generally competitive but flagged logistical problems and complaints of political pressure.
Analysts expect the PAS majority to speed reforms on rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and administration changes required for EU accession, while critics warn of risks from rapid consolidation of power. The outcome reshapes Moldova’s domestic politics and its geopolitical trajectory amid regional tensions.
