Traian Băsescu warns: diaspora vote in September 28 elections is “decisive”
The parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova are crucial not only for the country's European aspirations but also for Romania's security, warns former President Traian Băsescu. In a Facebook post, Băsescu highlights that the close competition between pro-European and pro-Russian parties may be influenced by the vote from the diaspora. He cautions that a potential victory for pro-Moscow forces could turn the Republic of Moldova into an ally of the Kremlin, posing a challenge to Romania's eastern border.
On September 28, in the evening, former Romanian President Traian Băsescu warned on Facebook that "Putin and his people may be at the Romanian border." He highlighted that the situation in the Republic of Moldova is extremely tense, with the "battle" for the parliamentary elections being very close.
Băsescu pointed out that pro-European political forces and pro-Russian parties are currently in a close race in the polls. He noted that, similar to the presidential elections, the outcome of these elections will likely be significantly influenced by the votes of Moldovan citizens living abroad.
The former president emphasized that over a million citizens of the Republic of Moldova live and work in EU countries and have Romanian citizenship. He stated, "On September 28, the future of the Republic of Moldova, as well as the security of Romania, will be decisively influenced by the votes of those in the diaspora."
Băsescu expressed concern that a victory for the pro-Moscow left could lead to the emergence of "Putin's puppets" in the Parliament and Government of Chisinau, resulting in a country on Romania's border that is under Moscow's influence and control.
He concluded by saying, "The participation of the diaspora and their support for pro-European forces will determine the continuation of Moldova's integration process into the EU, as well as the security situation on Romania's eastern border."
According to official data, the highest number of votes ever recorded outside the Republic of Moldova occurred during the second round of the last presidential elections, held on November 3, 2024. In this round, 328,855 Moldovan citizens living in the diaspora cast their votes.
In the early parliamentary elections on July 11, 2021, a total of 212,145 voters from the diaspora participated.
This year's parliamentary elections are scheduled for September 28, and citizens living abroad will be able to vote at 301 polling stations.
