Germany has vocally denounced what it characterized as “a massive, coordinated attempt” aimed at hindering Moldovans living abroad from exercising their right to vote in the pivotal second round of the country’s presidential election.
Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, expressed grave concerns regarding vote-buying, manipulation, and bomb threats directed at Moldovan polling stations – including places in Germany itself. She asserted that these actions were an assault “on the heart of European democracy” and underscored the lengths to which Russian president, Vladimir Putin, “will stop at nothing” to undermine democratic processes.
A spokesperson from the German foreign ministry disclosed that polling stations located in major cities such as Hamburg, Frankfurt, Kaiserslautern, and Berlin were subjected to disturbing bomb threats, labeling this intimidation as “totally unacceptable” behavior in a democratic society.
This condemnation reverberated as some of Europe’s most influential leaders extended their congratulations to Moldova’s pro-Western president, Maia Sandu, following her victory in securing a second term. Sandu’s success is seen as a significant milestone that strengthens Moldova’s aspirations for EU membership and represents a setback for Kremlin influence in the region.
With nearly 98% of the votes counted in the second round of the presidential elections held on Sunday, Sandu is leading with approximately 54% of the total, surpassing her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is a political newcomer favored by the Kremlin and backed by the pro-Russian Socialist party. The Socialist party denounced Sandu’s legitimacy by labeling her an “illegitimate president” on Monday.
Before Sunday’s vote, Moldovan authorities reported significant evidence of election meddling, confirming that such attempts had occurred during both the first round of voting and a closely contested referendum on EU membership, which was won by a narrow margin just two weeks prior.
Allegations of interference from Russia or pro-Russia factions have emerged, citing incidents of cyber-attacks on polling stations, transportation of voters, coercive vote-buying, and intimidation. These tactics serve to highlight the high stakes for Moldova, a small former Soviet republic that is steadfastly pursuing a pro-Western trajectory under President Sandu, with the goal of EU integration.
Moldova’s foreign ministry emphasized on Sunday that polling stations in Frankfurt, along with locations in Liverpool and Northampton in the UK, had specifically received false bomb threats that were “intended only to stop the voting process.”
On Monday, US president, Joe Biden, recognized Sandu’s electoral victory as a triumph for democracy, asserting that Russia had failed in its attempts to undermine the stability and integrity of the former Soviet republic.
“For months, Russia sought to undermine Moldova’s democratic institutions and election processes. But Russia failed,” Biden stated emphatically.
“The Moldovan people have exercised their democratic right to choose their own future, and they have chosen to pursue a path aligned with Europe and democracies everywhere,” he added in a comprehensive statement expressing solidarity with Moldova.
Echoing this supportive sentiment, European leaders including the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, remarked: “It takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you [Sandu] have faced in this election. I’m glad to continue working with you towards a European future for Moldova and its people.”
In a joint statement, both the European Commission and the EU’s chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, commended Moldovan authorities for their successful management of the election, despite facing unprecedented Russian interference, which included vote-buying schemes and manipulative disinformation tactics. They emphasized that “these hybrid attempts have sought to undermine the country’s democratic institutions and its EU path”.
French president, Emmanuel Macron, celebrated democracy as having triumphed over all forms of interference and subversion: “France will continue to remain at the side of Moldova in her European path,” he wrote on X.
German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, concurred, stating, “@sandumaiamd has steered the Republic of Moldova safely through difficult times and set the country on a European course. We stand by Moldova’s side,” he said.
Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, proclaimed his country’s readiness to support Moldova’s European aspirations. “Moldovans have made a clear choice – they chose a path toward economic growth and social stability. Only true security and a peaceful, united Europe can guarantee each person and every family the confidence to face tomorrow with hope and certainty,” he articulated.
The Moldovan government officially submitted its application to join the European Union in March 2022, mere days after Ukraine declared its intent to pursue EU membership, a direct consequence of Russia’s aggressive invasion. Both Moldova and Ukraine were subsequently granted EU candidate status in June 2022 following an expedited review process.
In preparation for the first round of voting in the presidential elections, the European Commission unveiled a substantial €1.8 billion (£1.5 billion) development plan for Moldova, aimed at doubling the size of the Moldovan economy over the next decade. This plan ties financial assistance, including grants and low-interest loans, to critical reforms. However, it still requires endorsement from EU member states and the European Parliament, a process that could take five to six months.
Siegfried Mureșan, a Romanian Member of the European Parliament designated to lead talks regarding the Moldova growth plan, vowed that the EU would expedite legislative passage to facilitate essential investments and modernization efforts necessary for Moldova’s EU accession preparation.
He characterized the electoral outcome as “a victory for the citizens of the Republic of Moldova and a defeat for the Russian Federation”.
Definitively denying any involvement in the election, the Kremlin asserted, “We resolutely reject any accusations that we are somehow interfering in this. We are not doing this,” conveyed Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov.
A senior Russian senator and ally of Putin, Andrei Klishas, claimed on Monday that votes were “brought in” to ensure Sandu’s victory. “You count the votes, you see how many the ‘right’ candidate is missing and bring in the required number of votes from foreign polling stations,” he noted, referring specifically to the diaspora voting.
Russia’s foreign ministry dismissed the election as the “most undemocratic” in Moldova’s post-Soviet history. Spokeswoman Maria Zakarova contended that the election’s outcome revealed a “deep split” within Moldovan society.
One EU leader notably absent from immediate commentary post-election was Viktor Orbán. The Hungarian prime minister faced backlash from EU officials last week for promptly congratulating the pro-Russian ruling party in Georgia the day after their parliamentary elections, a move perceived as controversial prior to the final count being disclosed. In the first 12 hours following the Moldovan election results, Orbán did not engage with the international media.
Poland’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, extended his congratulations in a message that appeared to draw a parallel to the US presidential election on Tuesday, which has similarly faced allegations of foreign interference. “Despite Russia’s aggressive and massive interference in the Moldovan presidential elections, Maia Sandu most likely defeated Moscow’s favourite,” Tusk wrote on X before the final election results were counted. “Let’s hope that this trend will continue in the coming days and months in other countries as well.”
**Interview with Dr. Elena Morozova, Eastern European Political Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Dr. Morozova. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent events in Moldova and the surrounding geopolitical implications. What can you tell us about the interference reported during Moldova’s presidential election?
**Dr. Morozova:** Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The recent elections in Moldova have underscored the Kremlin’s consistent attempts to undermine democratic processes in neighboring countries. Reports of vote-buying, manipulative disinformation, and even bomb threats at polling stations reveal a disturbing pattern of interference. This orchestrated meddling is part of a broader strategy to destabilize pro-Western governments in the region, especially as Moldova strives for EU integration.
**Interviewer:** Germany has described this interference as a “massive, coordinated attempt.” Why do you think the Kremlin is so focused on meddling in Moldova specifically?
**Dr. Morozova:** Moldova represents an important geopolitical battleground. Its political trajectory towards the EU poses a direct challenge to Russia’s influence in Eastern Europe. By fostering instability and supporting pro-Russian candidates, the Kremlin aims to sway Moldova back into its sphere of influence. President Maia Sandu’s recent reelection is seen as a setback for Russia, and thus, ongoing efforts to undermine her government are likely to continue.
**Interviewer:** President Sandu has received congratulations from several European leaders for her victory. What does this support mean for Moldova’s aspirations toward EU membership?
**Dr. Morozova:** The international support for President Sandu is not just symbolic; it serves to reinforce Moldova’s legitimacy on the European stage. This backing can help secure the necessary resources and political will from EU member states to support Moldova’s reforms and economic development. The recent €1.8 billion development plan announced by the European Commission indicates that the EU is serious about facilitating Moldova’s path towards membership, especially given the context of Russian aggression in the region.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that this recent election was marked by serious allegations of Russian interference. Can you elaborate on how such tactics could affect Moldova’s democratic institutions in the long term?
**Dr. Morozova:** Persistent interference erodes public trust in democratic institutions and can sow seeds of political division within society. If citizens believe that their votes are not free and fair, it can lead to apathy or even radicalization. Long-term exposure to such tactics can weaken the rule of law and democracy, making it easier for pro-Russian entities to gain traction and influence, thereby jeopardizing Moldova’s aspirations for a stable, democratic government aligned with European values.
**Interviewer:** as the Kremlin has denied any involvement in the election meddling, how important is it for the international community to hold them accountable?
**Dr. Morozova:** Accountability is crucial. The international community must recognize and respond to these attempts to undermine democracy. Failure to do so sends a message that such interference is tolerated. Continued diplomatic pressure and sanctions, alongside support for democratic institutions within Moldova, are vital to countering Russia’s aggressive tactics and ensuring that the people of Moldova can genuinely exercise their right to self-determination without external manipulation.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Morozova, for your insights on this critical issue. We appreciate your time.
**Dr. Morozova:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to keep these discussions alive as Moldova navigates its path toward democracy and European integration.
