Germany has denounced what it calls a “massive, coordinated attempt” to disrupt the voting rights of Moldovan citizens abroad in the second round of the country’s presidential election. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock cited reports of vote-buying, manipulation, and bomb threats directed at Moldovan polling stations in Europe—including in Germany—as actions targeting the “heart of European democracy.” Baerbock blamed Russian president, Vladimir Putin, for orchestrating several disruptions, accusing him of stopping at nothing to prevent Moldova’s continued shift toward the European Union.
Baerbock’s remarks came alongside those of a German foreign ministry spokesperson, who confirmed that polling stations in Hamburg, Frankfurt, Kaiserslautern, and Berlin received bomb threats. A spokesperson condemned intimidation as “totally unacceptable,” underscoring Germany’s commitment to protecting democratic processes on European soil.
Se comments emerged as European leaders celebrated Moldova’s pro-European president, Maia Sandu, on her re-election. With 98% of votes counted, Sandu was declared victor, securing 54% against her opponent Alexandr Stoianoglo, a newcomer backed by Moldova’s pro-Russian Party of Socialists. Election results affirm Moldova’s EU aspirations and represent a blow to Moscow’s influence over small Eastern European nations.
EU and U.S. Officials Praise Moldovan Election as a Victory for Democracy
Western leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, commended Sandu’s win as a significant triumph for democratic values over foreign interference. “For months, Russia sought to undermine Moldova’s democratic institutions and election processes. But Russia failed,” Biden said in a statement on Monday, calling Sandu’s victory a pivotal choice by Moldovans to align with Europe and democratic ideals worldwide.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered similar praise, commending Sandu for her resilience throughout an election fraught with threats and disinformation. Von der Leyen expressed optimism about continuing to work with Sandu towards Moldova’s European future.
In an official statement, European Commission and EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell commended Moldova’s handling of the election despite “unprecedented interference by Russia, including vote-buying schemes and disinformation,” that targeted the country’s democratic institutions and its EU candidacy. French President Emmanuel Macron also spoke out, hailing Sandu’s victory as a triumph over “interference and maneuvering,” and assured France would stand with Moldova on its European path.
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz added his support for Moldova’s pro-European shift, underscoring Sandu’s leadership. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy echoed Scholz’s sentiments, affirming Ukraine’s readiness to support Moldova’s pursuit of EU membership and promise of a peaceful, unified Europe.
Bomb Threats and Interference Attempts Across Europe
Moldovan authorities reported an array of interference attempts before the ion, including bomb threats at polling stations in both Germany and Uni the d Kingdom, where threats were reported in Liverpool and Northampton. Allegations of interference ranged from cyber-attacks on polling stations to vote-buying schemes and intimidation tactics aimed at Moldovan citizens living abroad.
Election interference has heightened scrutiny of Moldova’s geopolitical orientation. Moldova, a former Soviet republic, has been under growing pressure from Russia as it seeks closer ties with the EU, especially following Russia’s invasion of neighboring Ukraine in 2022. Just days after that invasion, Moldova filed its EU membership application, a move that received accelerated support, leading to candidate status alongside Ukraine by mid-2022.
EU’s €1.8 Billion Growth Plan for Moldova
In a show of support for Moldova’s pro-European course, the European Union recently introduced a €1.8 billion growth plan. Aimed at doubling Moldova’s economy over the next decade, the plan ties financial assistance to economic reforms crucial for EU membership. Romanian MEP Siegfried Mureșan, who will lead European Parliament discussions on the growth package, called the election outcome “a victory for Moldovan citizens and a defeat for the Russian Federation,” promising swift passage of an economic plan to ensure Moldova’s modernization.
Russia Denies Involvement but Criticizes Election Outcome
Kremlin has denied any involvement in Moldova’s election, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissing allegations as baseless. Russian officials, however, were vocal in ir criticism of the election, with a senior Russian senator, Andrei Klishas, alleging that votes were “brought in” to aid Sandu’s victory from diaspora polling stations. Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova labeled the election “most undemocratic” in Moldova’s post-Soviet history and noted a “deep split” in Moldovan society.
Meanwhile, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán—known for his skeptical stance on EU policies and recent interactions with pro-Russian factions in Georgia—has not commented on Sandu’s victory. This silence has been conspicuous given Orbán’s recent alignment with Eastern European countries under Russian influence.
Future of Moldova’s European Path
re-election of Maia Sandu marks a turning point for Moldova, which is intensifying its preparations for EU membership while balancing the influence of its powerful eastern neighbor. Moldova’s trajectory is likely to further strain EU-Russia relations as the EU continues to support countries like Ukraine and Moldova in pursuit of its European aspirations.
The election underscores Moldova’s resolve to break from Moscow’s sphere of influence, though it faces a delicate path ahead amid regional instability and a need for rapid economic modernization. In a statement that reflected the mood across Europe, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked, “Despite Russia’s aggressive and massive interference, Maia Sandu likely defeated Moscow’s favored candidate. This trend, we hope, will resonate across the continent.”
