Romania's president says Russia exerts illegitimate influence to shape future of Moldova

We will have very important parliamentary elections in Moldova on September 28, which represent a dispute between East and West, between a pro-Western direction and a closer relationship with Russia. The voting result between pro-European and pro-Russian forces will be very tight, and from this perspective, each vote matters. President of Romania Nicusor Dan has made statements to this effect on Antena 3 CNN.

Nicusor Dan emphasized that the political battle in Moldova was for the country's future in the West or East.

“It wouldn't be correct for me to interfere in any way with the elections in Moldova. It is the sovereign right of the citizens of this country. All I can say is that I am committed to supporting this country as much as I can. On September 28, we will have very important parliamentary elections, which actually represent a dispute between East and West, between a pro-Western direction and a closer relationship with Russia. I think it is obvious what I would like,” said Nicusor Dan.

The official anticipated that the results of the elections between pro-European and pro-Russian forces would be very close, and from this perspective, each vote matters.

“These will be tight elections, so every vote counts. I urge the citizens of Moldova, especially those living in Romania, to go and vote regardless of their option chosen. On election day, we will present all information about where and how they can vote,” Nicusor Dan noted.

The president of Romania referred to the influences and involvement of Russia in the electoral processes in Moldova.

“We had the experience of the presidential elections and constitutional referendum in the autumn of 2024, and in this case, we have proven Russian influence, greater than cyberattacks on critical structures, greater than the disinformation which we also faced at our elections. It is proven that networks of wealthy individuals went  and allegedly purchased between 80,000 and 100,000 votes in the Russian direction. We have an illegitimate influence by the Russian Federation, and I think it is obvious to everyone that those who make this electoral effort are not doing it for the sake of ideology or principles, but in order to shape the future of this country,” the official added.

On September 28, 2025, parliamentary elections will be held in Moldova. The country’s citizens are expected to go to vote, in order to elect the MPs of the next parliament.