Moldova‘s Ruling Party secures Decisive Victory, Paving Way for Continued Pro-EU Course
Chișinău, Moldova – Moldova’s pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) achieved a commanding victory in parliamentary elections held on July 21, 2024, securing a clear majority and effectively sidelining parties aligned with Russia. Preliminary results indicate PAS won approximately 53% of the vote, a important increase from their 2019 showing, and will likely control at least 65 of the 101 seats in parliament. The outcome represents a strong endorsement of the government’s pro-Western trajectory and a rejection of attempts to pull the nation back into Moscow’s orbit.
This election is pivotal for Moldova, a nation strategically positioned between Ukraine and Romania and grappling with economic hardship and political instability. The decisive win for PAS, led by President Maia Sandu, strengthens Moldova’s bid for European Union membership – a formal request was submitted in March 2022 - and provides a more secure foundation for navigating the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, notably given the war in neighboring Ukraine. A stable, pro-EU Moldova is crucial for regional security and offers a counterweight to Russian influence.
The main opposition, the Șor Party, known for its pro-Russian stance and allegations of corruption, garnered around 15% of the vote. Other parties,including the Communist Party and the Socialists,also failed to gain significant traction. International observers from organizations like the OSCE reported the elections were competitive and generally free, though concerns were raised about the use of money in politics and disinformation campaigns.
President Sandu hailed the results as a “historic moment” for Moldova, stating in a televised address on July 22, 2024, “The citizens of Moldova have clearly expressed their desire for a European future. we will continue to work tirelessly to build a prosperous, democratic, and European Moldova.” the new parliament is expected to convene in August 2024 to elect a new speaker and form a government, with a focus on implementing reforms necessary for EU accession, including strengthening the rule of law, combating corruption, and modernizing the economy.
