PAS: Pro-Russian majority would halt EU accession and put Moldovans in Putin’s wars – opposition parties react
The victory of pro-Russian forces in the parliamentary elections on September 28, along with the formation of a Kremlin-loyal majority in the Moldovan Parliament, would halt the Republic of Moldova's European integration process. Furthermore, this scenario could lead to the infiltration of our institutions by representatives of the Russian Federation, a lack of resources for local modernization, and the potential for Moldovans to be used as "cannon fodder" in Vladimir Putin's wars, warn the leaders of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS). In contrast, the opposition accuses the government of "militarizing" the Republic of Moldova and damaging relations with the Russian Federation, which is considered a "strategic partner."
"If pro-Russian forces regain power and, God forbid, a pro-Kremlin majority forms in Parliament, the situation for the Republic of Moldova will become complicated. What does this mean? It signifies a halt to the European integration process. In practical terms, if a pro-Kremlin government or majority—such as Dodon, Shor, Tkaciuk, Ceban, and others—takes control, representatives from the Russian Federation will infiltrate state institutions, including the police, the Information and Security Service (SIS), and the prosecutor's office, as has happened before. Following this, criminal groups will emerge, with figures like Shor and his associates eager to revert to their previous practices of stealing and plundering this country," declared Igor Grosu, leader of the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), during a press conference on Thursday, September 11.
"There is a risk that our young men will become cannon fodder in Putin's criminal wars."
Grosu further explained that the free movement of Moldovans within the EU would be jeopardized, European funds for local projects would be halted, and the diaspora's right to vote could be restricted.
"There is another proven risk, as evidenced in Ukraine: if a pro-Putin government comes to power here, our young men may become cannon fodder in Putin's bloody and criminal wars. These are not our wars; we did not want them. They maintain an illegal army here and send drones to attack peaceful citizens. These are real threats that we must acknowledge and mobilize against," said Grosu, who is the top candidate on the PAS electoral list for the September 28 parliamentary elections.
Also present at the press conference, Prime Minister Dorin Recean, who is second on the PAS electoral list, highlighted that the Republic of Moldova is experiencing "an unprecedented level of propaganda, financed with dirty money." He noted that electoral corruption has been rampant; in just the last two weeks, police have reported over 180 searches and have investigated 300 individuals. The goal appears to be for the Russian Federation to gain control of the Republic of Moldova after the parliamentary elections.
"They create thousands of accounts and profiles on TikTok, Facebook, and other social media platforms—both domestically and in the diaspora—and even utilize artificial intelligence to manipulate public perception, incite hatred, instill fear, and spread false information. We are facing electoral corruption involving criminal groups; the police have documented over 30,000 cases and issued fines. There have been paid protests designed to incite violence and pressure state institutions; over 400 individuals have been identified for such activities. In 2024, the Kremlin spent $100 million to interfere in our internal affairs. Since the beginning of this year, these expenditures have grown significantly because they know the last and most intense battle for our future is underway," emphasized Dorin Recean.
Tîrdea: "The principle of neutrality has been violated"
Bogdat Țîrdea, a representative of the Patriotic Electoral Bloc of Communists and Socialists, Heart and Future of Moldova, accused the ruling party of promoting an unbalanced foreign policy that is not in the best interest of citizens. In a press conference on Thursday, September 11, at the headquarters of the Party of Socialists, he stated that the Republic of Moldova has become "part of a hybrid war" against its strategic partners, indirectly referring to the Russian Federation. According to Țîrdea, Moldova should strengthen its ties with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), BRICS, and the Eurasian economic bloc.
“The principle of neutrality has been violated by participating excessively in military applications and exercises, which endangers our status of neutrality and the principle of sovereignty. Furthermore, we believe that by abandoning several strategic agreements with CIS countries, the Republic of Moldova has deviated from essential arrangements, causing significant harm to the national economy. For instance, last year we recorded an economic growth of only 0.1%, and over the past four years, only 0.4%, which indicates stagnation,” stated Bogdat Țîrdea.
He emphasized that the Republic of Moldova "does not have" external enemies and should not "be allied with anyone against someone else."
"We have signed strategic partnerships with Romania, Ukraine, the Russian Federation, the United States, Hungary, and Turkey. In addition, we believe it is essential to establish strategic partnerships with China, which is currently the largest economy in the world, measured by purchasing power parity. Foreign relations should be guided by pragmatism, sovereignty, and the principles of balanced integration. In this context, we believe that the Republic of Moldova must restore its status as an observer member of the Eurasian Economic Union and reinstate most of the treaties with the CIS—especially the strategic ones—that were abandoned hastily," Bogdat Țîrdea concluded.
Ceban: “PAS continues to spread scaremongering”
Ion Ceban, one of the leaders of the “Alternative” electoral bloc, accused PAS of engaging in “scaremongering” intended to foster “hatred and division” within society.
“We are, above all, for peace. Each of us has children – I have three, and our colleagues also have children. It would be absurd for us to desire anything other than peace. This is an essential aspect. Secondly, we seek development. We live here; we are not from other countries, but rather we govern in certain ministries or hold deputy positions for a short or long term. We want the citizens of the Republic of Moldova to live in a developed country that continuously evolves in all areas. Lastly, those who speak of pro-Russian sentiments, anti-EU views, referendums, and radical changes must remember that I, along with the National Alternative Movement team, campaigned for a referendum to amend the Constitution,” Ion Ceban responded to the accusations made by PAS leaders.
"Russia is inventive in doing evil"
Political analyst Nicolae Negru believes that Russia's interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Moldova is real, not a "campaign theme", and what we see in the public space would be only the "tip of the iceberg".
"*Unfortunately, we are not sure that our state institutions observe all the actions taken by the special services of the "strategic partner" in the East, to stop and divert the course of the European integration of the Republic of Moldova. Russia is inventive in doing evil, in disinforming and manipulating the "masses", relying on centuries of oppression and keeping neighboring peoples "under control". We need the help of our partners, so that we can "decipher" and counteract the FSB diversions", Nicolae Negru declared for Teleradio-Moldova.
The analyst added that, although we are in an electoral campaign and the opposition parties qualify as "alarmist" the statements regarding the dangers coming from the Russian Federation, we cannot, however, ignore the revelations made by the police, the way in which the presidential elections and the local elections in the Gagauz Autonomy, Orhei or Balti were conducted.
"It would be a crime to close our eyes and pretend that we do not see the reality that sends us alarming signals. Our stake, but also Russia's, is greater than ever. It "loses" the Republic of Moldova and risks failing in Putin's soul project: the restoration of the Russian empire. That the alarm that Dorin Recean is giving must be taken seriously, that it is no joke, is confirmed by the behavior of the Russian leaders. Never before have they been so systematically, methodically, with such impudence and cynicism, in open contempt for the norms of civilized interstate relations, as they have been lately. They are almost openly scaring the voters of the Republic of Moldova that the fate of the Ukrainians awaits them if they continue to support the course towards Europe. Only politicians who represent the interests of Russia cannot see that the danger that Prime Minister Recean is talking about is as real as can be, it is blatant,” concluded Nicolae Negru.
We remind you that the parliamentary elections will take place on September 28, and 23 electoral competitors will appear on the ballots, including four blocs and four independent candidates.
