Presidential election and referendum for or against the EU: the authorities denounce Russian maneuvers to try to influence the vote.
Final stretch before Sunday’s presidential election in Moldova.
The pro-Western outgoing president Maia Sandu is the favorite and Moldovans must decide for or against the principle of membership in the EU.
The authorities denounce unprecedented Russian maneuvers to try to influence voters.
Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova: “We have unfortunately witnessed a large-scale operation using the classic Kremlin toolbox, but at the same time applied on an unprecedented scale. We see dirty money flowing into our politics, the use of local proxy parties to destabilize the situation, to corrupt potential candidates, but also voters in elections. And of course we are seeing a very, very strong disinformation campaign, propaganda mainly targeting the EU.”
The result of the referendum will determine whether or not the EU membership plan will be included in the Constitution.
A constitutional shift to the West could reignite tensions with separatist Transnistria.
Since 1992, this eastern territory of Moldova has been de facto controlled by Russia.
Cristina Gherasimov, Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova: “The Transnistria region raised many concerns about its destabilization. Over the past two years, especially since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we have managed to maintain a calm and stable situation for the country and we hope to continue to do the same. »
According to the latest polls, pro-EU incumbent Maia Sandu is favored and a majority is expected to favor EU membership in the referendum.
