Moldova’s September 28, 2025 election saw a significant victory for the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), while support for a pro-Russian coalition plummeted amidst Russia’s aggressive disinformation campaign, allegedly led by the fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor. This election outcome highlights Moldova’s ongoing struggle between European integration and Russian influence, a dynamic intensified since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Shor, who orchestrated Moldova’s largest financial scandal, has been using his resources to undermine pro-European sentiment through covert operations, including paying individuals to spread disinformation via social media. His efforts also targeted Moldova’s diaspora, offering financial incentives to serve as election observers.
The Moldovan government successfully resisted these influence tactics, detaining individuals suspected of planning post-election violence and thwarting cyberattacks on election day. However, the challenges remain substantial. Moldova must confront issues such as corruption, economic hardship, and energy dependency on Russia while striving for closer ties with the EU.
To combat future disinformation and strengthen democratic institutions, Moldova will require support from EU nations. Ultimately, the path to EU membership necessitates tackling these internal issues, as falling under Russian control could jeopardize democracy and human rights in Moldova.
