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21 Oct, 2024

Moldova picks European future over Russian manipulation

On 20 October, Moldova held a referendum on the country's potential accession to the European Union, with the pro-EU vote winning against a backdrop of unprecedented interference and manipulation from Russia. 

50.4% of Moldovan voters backed changing the constitution to include EU membership, with 49.6% opposing the move.

"We fully support Moldova’s European aspirations and condemn Vladimir Putin’s attempts to destabilise the political situation and electoral process. Moldovans showed exemplary mobilisation, turning up in bigger numbers than the previous presidential election," said ALDE Party President Svenja Hahn MEP.

"Polling stations around the world were lined with long queues, with some extending the closing time to allow everybody to express their vote. Every vote counts, and this lesson must be remembered and applied in two weeks for the second round of the presidential elections."

ALDE Party member CUB in Moldova highlighted how despite a narrow win for the country's pro-European future, the struggle for a European Moldova continues.

"Moldovans did not vote against Europe, but against hypocrisy. Yesterday's vote was a cry for help - we want a functioning rule of law, not a "sham democracy". We call all pro-European parties to start talks to form a common strategy to restore our European course. CUB stands firm on its position: we choose democracy!" said a CUB party statement.

Other liberal leaders from across Europe highlighted the good news but stressed this is just the beginning of the efforts towards eliminating Putin's interference with Moldova's road to EU integration.

"Good news is coming from Moldova. The European direction will be maintained. Defeat for Russia despite huge investment," said Nowoczesna leader and Poland's Minister for European Affairs Adam Szłapka.

"The Moldovan elections and referendum were marked by a massive operation by the Putin regime to influence the outcome," said Renew Europe Vice-President Martin Hojsik MEP.

"Congratulations to Moldova, one step closer to EU membership! However, we can't breathe a sigh of relief just yet. The result was closer than we could have hoped for and there is no doubt that Russia will lay new stumbling blocks," said Radikale Venstre leader Martin Lidegaard.

"Moldova should be a warning to the whole EU: Russia is no longer afraid of any means. In 2026, Hungary will hold crucial elections. Let there be no doubt: Putin will do his utmost to keep one of his last European henchmen, Orban, in the prime minister's chair, along with his Russian-owned government," said Momentum Mozgalom leader Márton Tompos.

"Despite Russian propaganda, more and more Moldovan citizens have understood where prosperity comes from: from the West, not from Putin's Russia. This is the clear road we must take in the Republic of Moldova and Romania!" said USR leader Elena Lasconi.

"In Moldova, there are a lot of similarities with Ukraine: internal pro-Moscow forces, external attempts to change the country's course, and the struggle for the right to determine its own future. We keep our fingers crossed for our neighbors [...], because a strong and democratic Moldova in the EU is another step towards stability and security in our region," said Servant of the People leader Olena Shuliak.

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