There Moldova, an Eastern European nation with a population of around 2.6 million finds itself in the midst of a sensational election outcome over its possible membership to the European Union. The topic, the subject of a recent referendum, has polarized public opinion between those who identify possible entry into the EU as an opportunity to align with Europe’s own democratic and living standards and those who, on the contrary, fear that this could translate into a loss of national autonomy and potential negative repercussions.
The final phase of vote counting brought a surprise. Initially, the current against the accession seemed to prevail, however, with the addition of votes coming from the Moldovan diasporathe trend has reversed. When 98% of the ballots were counted, the “yes” vote had collected 50.08% of the votes, generating an unexpected change of scenery.
Whatever happens, it is certainly not an “overwhelming” victory for those in favor of membership, especially since the ones who overturned the vote were the citizens who voted from outside Moldova.
The referendum it was accompanied by reports of outside interference, promptly denied by the Kremlin. The Moldovan president Maia Sandu expressed concern about these attempts to influence the democratic process, denouncing “an unprecedented assault on democracy” in the country. Sandu declared that he wanted to firmly oppose any form of interference, blaming criminal organizations and external enemy forces (translated: the Russia) the spread of falsehoods and propaganda with the intent to destabilize the nation.
Sandu, who in 2020 became Moldova’s first female president, has won international recognition for her commitment to transparency and integrity. His mandate was characterized by the desire to reduce Russian influence on Moldovan politics, in a period of growing tensions in Ukraine, and by the desire to move the country towards European integration. The referendum was seen as a means to consolidate this direction, even if the result highlighted a fragmented and uncertain national reality.
From a geopolitical point of view, Moldova is in a delicate position, at the crossroads between the European Union and Russiaand close to countries such as Ukraine, theater of conflict, and Georgia, accused of authoritarian pro-Russian inclinations.
The presidential ballot therefore presents itself as a decisive event for the future of Moldova. Alexandr Stoianoglo, with his promise to restore justice and pursue a balanced foreign policy, represents a serious contender for Sandu, who will have to balance the country’s pro-European ambitions with internal resistance. The Moldovan situation constitutes a significant example of the European Union’s ability to extend its influence and of the intricate geopolitical balances that characterize Eastern Europe.