Moscow (EFE).- With less than two months until Moldova’s crucial parliamentary elections on Sep. 28, the European Union and Russia have ramped up efforts to win favor among Moldovans, who remain divided between a pro-European path and closer ties with Moscow.
Tensions escalated further this week after Yevgenia Gutsul, a key ally of the Kremlin and leader of the autonomous region of Gagauzia, was sentenced to seven years in prison.
The verdict sparked outrage in Moscow, which denounced the ruling as politically motivated.
Gutsul’s conviction deepens East-West divide
“The sentence against Gutsil is an example of a politically motivated decision and a clear attempt by authorities to pressure their opponents,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday.
Gutsul was arrested in March on corruption charges linked to Moldova’s 2023 local elections. Prosecutors accuse her of channeling funds from Russia to Moldova in support of the now-banned pro-Russian Shor party.
Gutsul, who met Russian President Vladimir Putin last year, described the sentence as “a political vendetta ordered from above,” and claimed authorities “are using repression as a tool to silence dissent.”
Moldovan President Maia Sandu, a staunch pro-European liberal, warned last week of an “unprecedented interference” from Russia in the upcoming elections, an allegation the Kremlin swiftly denied.
“We face difficult times ahead, but we must not be afraid. We must be mobilized,” Sandu said, rallying support for her Action and Solidarity Party, which currently leads in the polls.
Analysts in Chisinau say the Gutsul case will likely deepen Moldova’s political polarization, pitting pro-European factions against pro-Russian groups in what some are calling the country’s most decisive vote since independence.
Pro-Russian bloc gains momentum In a direct challenge to Sandu’s party, a new pro-Russian political alliance has emerged, uniting the Socialist Party, the Communist Party, and smaller groups including Moldova’s Future and Moldova’s Heart.
“We stand for sovereignty, neutrality, and strong relations with all, including Europe, based on our national interests, and for restoring dialogue with Russia,” said Socialist leader Igor Dodon as the alliance formally registered with electoral authorities.
Meanwhile, Moldova’s Central Election Commission has barred the Pobeda (Victory) bloc, led by fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, currently exiled in Moscow, from participating in the September vote.
As in the October 2024 EU referendum, when the pro-European vote triumphed largely thanks to Moldova’s diaspora, Moldovans living abroad in countries like Italy, Spain, and Portugal are expected to play a decisive role once again.
EU boosts support, Russia warns of NATO expansion
In July, Chisinau hosted its first-ever EU-Moldova summit.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed Brussels’ support, stating: “Moldova’s future lies in the EU. The Kremlin cannot stop Moldova from joining the European family.”
President Sandu echoed this sentiment: “Joining the EU is not an unattainable dream, Moldovans are building it every day.”
European leaders highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate Moldova’s economy with the EU, noting that more than 50% of the country’s exports now go to the EU, compared to past dependence on Russian markets.
The EU has pledged nearly 2 billion euros over three years. With 270 million euros already allocated to improve hospitals, schools, and infrastructure.
Russia, however, warned that Western involvement is turning Moldova into “a second Ukraine.”
“The West is trying by all means to convert Moldova into a NATO military base for a potential confrontation with Russia,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. EFE
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