Moldova’s parliament voted Thursday to hold legislative elections on September 28, potentially reducing President Maia Sandu’s pro-European PAS party’s seat total.
57 MPs supported the measure, while 32 abstained.
The poll is expected to be fiercely contested, potentially reshaping Moldova’s political landscape.
Sandu, who wants to connect Moldova more closely with the European Union and distance the country from its historical ties to Moscow, is facing mounting opposition.
Former Prosecutor General Alexandr Stoianoglo, who came close to beating Sandu in last year’s presidential election, now leads a coalition of three parties to challenge PAS’s dominance.
According to parliament Speaker Igor Grosu, the September vote will be “crucial” in shaping the country’s future.
Moldova has a long history of Russian interference, with Moscow repeatedly accused of backing political parties and spreading disinformation.
Similar concerns were raised during the last elections, held on Oct. 20, 2024, which coincided with a narrowly passed referendum on EU membership.
