Moldova’s pro-Russian political bloc, led by exiled oligarch Ilan Shor, plans to participate in the upcoming September parliamentary elections. The bloc, established in August 2024, aims to ‘overthrow the fascist regime’ and hold early democratic elections within six months. The candidate list includes Evghenia Gutul, the Gagauzia region head currently under U.S. sanctions for illegal funding of the banned Shor party. Moldovan President Maia Sandu emphasizes the election’s importance for the country’s European integration, while the European Union pledges support against hybrid threats from autocratic regimes.
The Victory bloc, which includes the banned Shor party, is preparing to submit registration documents for the September vote. Shor’s announcement has sparked concerns about the bloc’s potential influence on Moldova’s political landscape, especially as the country continues its European integration efforts. President Sandu has positioned the elections as a crucial step toward Moldova’s future within the European Union, with the country granted EU candidate status in 2022. The upcoming vote carries immense significance given Moldova’s status as one of the poorest nations in Europe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged the EU’s support to help Moldova defend itself against hybrid threats from autocratic regimes. This comes at a pivotal moment in Moldova’s political history, with the pro-Russian bloc’s participation in the elections adding a layer of complexity to the nation’s democratic process. The bloc’s candidate list, led by Gutul, a figure with strong ties to Moscow, highlights the geopolitical tensions at play. The situation underscores the challenges Moldova faces in balancing its aspirations for European integration with the realities of its domestic political landscape and external pressures.