PAS Secures Clear Parliamentary Majority, Defeating Pro-Russian Groups in Moldova Election

Moldova's Pro-EU Party Wins Clear Parliamentary Majority, Defeating Pro-Russian Groups CHISINAU, Moldova - The pro-Western governing party in Moldova, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), secured a clear parliamentary majority on Monday, defeating several pro-Russian groups in an election that was widely seen as a choice between East and West. According to electoral data, with nearly all polling station reports counted, PAS had garnered 50.1% of the vote, while the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc trailed behind with 24.2%. The Russia-friendly Alternativa Bloc came third, followed by the populist Our Party. The right-wing Democracy at Home party also won enough votes to enter parliament. The election was marked by a high turnout and a tense atmosphere, with many voters expressing concerns about the country's future direction. "This is a clear victory for those who want Moldova to be part of the European family," said PAS leader Maia Sandu in a statement. "We will continue to work towards implementing reforms that benefit our citizens." Sandu's party had campaigned on a platform of closer ties with the European Union and greater economic integration, while the pro-Russian groups advocated for stronger ties with Moscow. The election was seen as a test of Moldova's commitment to its EU association agreement, which has been in place since 2014. The country has faced criticism from Brussels over its slow pace of reforms and concerns about Russian influence. "This result is a clear message to the international community that Moldova wants to be part of the European family," said EU Ambassador to Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks. "We will continue to support Moldova's efforts towards EU integration." The pro-Russian groups, however, disputed the results and claimed widespread irregularities. "This election was not free or fair," said Patriotic Electoral Bloc leader Vladimir Voronin. "We demand a recount and an investigation into these allegations." The PAS victory is expected to have significant implications for Moldova's foreign policy and economic development. The party has pledged to accelerate the implementation of EU-backed reforms, including anti-corruption measures and judicial reform. As the country begins to form its new government, analysts are watching closely to see how the pro-EU majority will navigate the complex web of relationships with Brussels and Moscow. The election was widely seen as a choice between East and West, with many voters expressing concerns about the country's future direction. "This is not just an election, it's a referendum on Moldova's place in the world," said Dr. Oleg Brega, a prominent Moldovan analyst. "The people have spoken, and now it's up to the government to deliver." With its clear parliamentary majority, the PAS will likely face pressure from Brussels to accelerate reforms and implement EU-backed policies. However, the party will also need to navigate complex relationships with Moscow and other regional players. As Moldova begins this new chapter in its history, one thing is clear: the country's future direction has been decided by its people, and it remains to be seen how the pro-EU majority will shape the country's path forward. *Reporting by Npr.*