IDM Short Insights 50: Parliamentary elections in Moldova 2025
Moldova has voted. The pro-european PAS party has won a surprise majority, giving them the power to push the reforms forward, especially toward EU membership. Once again, the parliamentary elections in Moldova have outlined the deep division between pro-European and pro-Russian factions, while public frustration over domestic issues is growing. The main question now : will both Moldova and the EU be ready for full membership in the coming years ? Rebecca Thorne and Sebastian Schäffer, in front of the Moldovan Parliament, highlight the role of these elections and the issues for the future.
Transcript:
„I am standing in front of the parliament in Chișinău, Moldova, where elections are taking place today. These elections are going to be very decisive for the future of Moldova.“
1. What is the status quo?
„Four years ago, the current government was voted in, who have proved themselves to be very pro-European, implementing reforms, and have also achieved EU candidate status. However, challenges remain and some people are disappointed with the pace of reforms such as corruption and cost of living.“
2. Why are these elections so important?
„While previous elections have always been framed as being a choice between pro-Russian and pro-European parties, this time it really will decide the course that Moldova will take because there is the potential that the next government will reverse the progress that has been made so far.“
3. What is the result of the election?
„The sky might be grey today, but the parliament is shining in bright yellow in a surprise victory. The PAS party was able to secure another term with an absolute majority in the parliament, which means that they will be able to continue their pro-European path. However, it is also clear that this is a mandate that means that they actually have to deliver also domestically, because we have heard a lot of voices that said we are voting for a pro-European path, not necessarily only for PAS.“
4. Which other parties will be in the parliament?
„In the new parliament, we will have four additional electoral blocs, respectively parties, the Patriots, the alternative bloc, the party of Renato Usatîi, and also, as a surprise, the Democracy at Home party. Whereas the first three could be more or less considered pro-Russian parties that have, to the more or lesser extent, received support from, amongst others, the Kremlin and the oligarch Ilan Shor, the fourth party that will be in opposition is a right-wing party that nobody really had on its agenda and is advocating for a union with Romania.“
5. What does the PAS victory mean for Europe?
„The victory of PAS and here especially also President Maia Sandu means that we also have to do our homework, because if the Republic of Moldova will really be ready to fulfil the acquis communautaire, and that is their intention over the next four years, that will mean another question for us. Will we actually be ready to welcome new EU members?“
