Moldova holds key election as Russia's shadow looms large

Moldova votes on Sunday in a pivotal election that regional observers describe as a test of the country’s commitment to European integration amid a sustained Russian influence campaign. Police say they have uncovered evidence of unprecedented interference in the vote, including vote-buying and disinformation that investigators tie directly to Russia, as well as a plot to foment violent unrest. Dozens of men who travelled to Serbia for training—some in the use of firearms—have been detained in connection with the plot. Moscow has denied involvement, accusing Moldova’s authorities of anti-Russian rhetoric and blaming the European Union instead.

The final rally before polling day drew thousands through central Chisinau, with supporters of the governing Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) and its pro-European platform waving EU flags and urging Moldovans to back a path to Europe. The crowd’s chant summed up the mood: “Their weapon is money, your weapon is your vote!” Prime Minister Dorin Recean framed the vote as a last stand for Moldova’s future, saying there is constant pressure from Russia and that Moscow was spending the equivalent of more than 1% of the country’s GDP to overthrow the government through propaganda and misinformation.

![Pro-EU rally in Chisinau](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/480/cpsprodpb/627d/live/c6265280-9b4e-11f0-b741-177e3e2c2fc7.jpg.webp