The president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, has warned that her country's independence and European future are in danger after police arrested dozens of individuals accused of plotting violent disorder, allegedly with support from Russia. Just days before Sunday's pivotal parliamentary elections, Moldovan police reported the confiscation of weapons and explosives during nationwide raids. Authorities allege that some of the 74 detainees had traveled to Serbia for military training provided by Russian instructors.
During a national address, President Sandu accused the Kremlin of investing hundreds of millions of euros into Moldova to incite violence and promote disinformation. The Kremlin believes that we are all for sale. That we are too small to resist. That we are not a country, only a territory, she declared, emphasizing the deep distress regarding Russian interference at high levels.
In response to potential manipulation by pro-Russian parties, Sandu urged supporters to vote in the upcoming elections, where her pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) faces formidable challenges. The election results will significantly impact Moldova's trajectory as it pursues EU integration, a journey heavily influenced by ongoing tensions with Russia.
Moldova, which declared independence after the USSR's dissolution over 30 years ago, still grapples with a substantial Russian-speaking populace and the presence of Russian troops in the breakaway region of Transnistria. Despite this, Sandu has intensified efforts to align closely with the EU, an initiative supported by a recent constitutional referendum that aimed at solidifying this goal. Amid accusations of extensive Russian meddling, including attempts to sway election outcomes through cash inducements, a high voter turnout is deemed crucial for a fair election outcome. Observers highlight that just a few thousand votes could drastically alter the political landscape.
As concerns around Russia's influence loom large, Sandu's administration is working to combat both direct threats and domestic criticisms, particularly regarding the transparency and effectiveness of governance, especially in regions advocating closer ties with Moscow. The upcoming elections represent a critical juncture for Moldova, its sovereignty, and its future alignment with Europe amid escalating tensions with Russia, underscoring the need for vigilance and participation at the ballot box.
During a national address, President Sandu accused the Kremlin of investing hundreds of millions of euros into Moldova to incite violence and promote disinformation. The Kremlin believes that we are all for sale. That we are too small to resist. That we are not a country, only a territory, she declared, emphasizing the deep distress regarding Russian interference at high levels.
In response to potential manipulation by pro-Russian parties, Sandu urged supporters to vote in the upcoming elections, where her pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) faces formidable challenges. The election results will significantly impact Moldova's trajectory as it pursues EU integration, a journey heavily influenced by ongoing tensions with Russia.
Moldova, which declared independence after the USSR's dissolution over 30 years ago, still grapples with a substantial Russian-speaking populace and the presence of Russian troops in the breakaway region of Transnistria. Despite this, Sandu has intensified efforts to align closely with the EU, an initiative supported by a recent constitutional referendum that aimed at solidifying this goal. Amid accusations of extensive Russian meddling, including attempts to sway election outcomes through cash inducements, a high voter turnout is deemed crucial for a fair election outcome. Observers highlight that just a few thousand votes could drastically alter the political landscape.
As concerns around Russia's influence loom large, Sandu's administration is working to combat both direct threats and domestic criticisms, particularly regarding the transparency and effectiveness of governance, especially in regions advocating closer ties with Moscow. The upcoming elections represent a critical juncture for Moldova, its sovereignty, and its future alignment with Europe amid escalating tensions with Russia, underscoring the need for vigilance and participation at the ballot box.
