President: Security risks to significantly increase if Russia controls future parliament

Diverging from the pro-European path, in the absence of a pro-European majority in the future Parliament to be elected in the autumn elections, presents several risks - from Russian involvement in the country's internal affairs to dragging Moldova into war. President Maia Sandu made the statement at a TV show.

Pro-European majority is absolutely vital

Additionally, the head of state emphasized that in such conditions, the Republic of Moldova risks losing European support, which is manifested through the financing of development projects and the allocation of financial resources for supporting citizens from socially vulnerable categories.


'A pro-European majority is absolutely vital for us – for our peace, democracy, and development projects, and to achieve higher living standards. It is absolutely vital to have a pro-European majority,' declared the president.


Choice must be made by citizens

Maia Sandu reiterated that in the parliamentary elections this autumn, the choice must belong to the Moldovan citizens, without outside interference, emphasizing that it will be a complicated electoral exercise: 'We will see attempts by Kremlin to interfere, which we have not seen before,' said the president.


'I want Moldovans to decide in these elections and not all these elements of Russia's hybrid war, which are varied: from vote buying, propaganda, disinformation, cyberattacks, various destabilization actions, inducing fear, to the illegal financing of some political parties and their campaigns. It will be complicated because, as I have said, the stake for Russia is not just the internal processes in the Republic of Moldova but also the possibility, if successful, to control the border with Ukraine – on our segment – and further harm Ukraine,' Maia Sandu said, urging citizens to be vigilant and show responsibility.


What will happen in event of Russia-controlled Parliament

In the event of a Russia-controlled parliament, first and foremost, security risks will 'significantly' increase, said Maia Sandu.


'It's clear: Russia will attempt to increase its military presence in the Transnistrian region. Some have asked: 'But how will military planes fly to bring officers or Russian soldiers here?' No military planes need to fly. During my mandate, Russia tried, using diplomatic passports, to send people to the Transnistrian region, knowing that under the Vienna Convention, we do not have the right to deny access to holders of diplomatic passports. Because they know that otherwise they cannot send soldiers to Moldova.

Now, imagine we have a government controlled by Russians – on ordinary routes, they can send hundreds and thousands of people to reinforce the presence of the Russian army in the Transnistrian region, which would significantly increase risks for Odessa and the eastern part of Ukraine. This is a major security risk because, if this happens, it is clear that Moldova will be drawn into war,' said the president.


The deployment of tens of thousands of Russian soldiers in the Transnistrian region, according to the president, represents a real danger should the power in Chișinău be controlled by Russia.


'So, the risks are significant for the country. I am not exaggerating, I do not want to scare anyone, but we are wise people and we will have to analyze things from all perspectives and not lose what we have,' said Maia Sandu.


The head of state assured that she would make every effort to protect the citizens, but mentioned that the president's powers are limited, with certain important competencies resting with Parliament.

Prime Minister Dorin Recean told Financial Times last week that Russia intends to deploy 10,000 soldiers in the Transnistrian region. Kremlin regime wants to consolidate its military presence in the region, but currently cannot send additional troops due to the positioning of the Transnistrian region between Ukraine and pro-European Moldova, said the prime minister.