"The poorest country in Europe is the pitying qualifier that often slides in to western media reporting about Moldova. The former Soviet republic is objectively one of the poorest countries in Europe, and it has a population of just 2.4 million people. But its voters demonstrated a remarkable strength last Sunday standing up to Russian intimidation in an election that was pivotal, for Moldova and for the rest of Europe."
"The Kremlin threw everything dirty it had in the government's words at derailing Moldova's ambition to join the EU by 2030. The vote was overshadowed by claims of interference, vote-buying, propaganda, cyber-attacks and disinformation on behalf of pro-Russia parties. Even the Orthodox church was roped in, with clergy allegedly treated to paid pilgrimages to Russia in exchange for preaching anti-EU messages to worshippers online."
"But there was a lot at stake. The election could have opened the door to a government of pro-Russia Eurosceptics. Instead, when votes were counted, the pro-European president, Maia Sandu could claim a legitimate mandate for her ruling party, PAS, in a parliament whose term runs to 2029. An overall majority means the government can pass the far-reaching reforms required for EU membership."
Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries with 2.4 million people, faced intense pressure and alleged Russian interference during a pivotal parliamentary election. Claims included vote-buying, propaganda, cyber-attacks, disinformation, and inducements to Orthodox clergy to preach anti-EU messages after paid pilgrimages to Russia. The election could have produced a pro-Russia Eurosceptic government, but pro-European forces prevailed. President Maia Sandu's PAS won an overall majority, securing a parliamentary term until 2029 and the ability to enact reforms needed for EU membership. Moldova remains determined to tilt westward after gaining EU candidate status in 2022. Economic hardships deepened by refugee hosting, energy shocks, and inflation persist.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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