Mitsotakis, EU leaders praise Moldova’s pro-European party after election victory

Greek and European Union leaders praised Moldova’s pro-European ruling enactment for its decisive victory successful the country’s parliamentary elections Sunday, arsenic authoritative results showed the enactment maintaining a strong bulk contempt accusations of Russian interference.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said successful a congratulatory connection that “Greece strongly supports Moldova successful its European way and looks guardant to practice for a strong and united Europe.” Mitsotakis, successful his message, warmly congratulated President Maia Sandu and the radical of Moldova “on the successful behaviour of the elections.”

The pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), led by Sandu, secured 49.95% of the vote with 99.38% of ballots counted, much than treble the 24.31% for the pro-Russian Patriotic Bloc. Voter turnout was 52% successful what has been described arsenic a “decisive” predetermination for Moldova’s future.

PAS will clasp 55 seats successful the 101-member parliament, a slight alteration from its erstwhile 63-seat majority, while the pro-Russian absorption holds 26 seats.

Sandu, who initiated talks for Moldova’s accession to the European Union and secured important economical assistance from Western partners, reiterated warnings astir “Russian interference.” Authorities allege Moscow funded vote-buying schemes and orchestrated disinformation campaigns to power the election. Moscow denies these claims, accusing PAS of spreading anti-Russian hysteria.

In effect to concerns astir amerciable enactment financing, Moldovan authorities precocious banned the Heart of Moldova party, portion of the pro-Russian bloc, pending investigations.

European Council President Antonio Costa said Monday, “The radical of Moldova person spoken and their connection is large and clear. They chose democracy, betterment and a European future, successful the look of Russian unit and interference.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed the sentiment, saying, “Moldova chose Europe, democracy, freedom. Our doorway is unfastened and we will stand with you each step of the way.”

In a associated statement, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commended Moldova for the peaceful behaviour of the elections contempt “unprecedented Russian interference, vote-buying efforts and disinformation.”

Macron emphasized France’s support for Moldova’s European ambitions, writing, “France stands by Moldova successful its European ambitions and successful its tendency for state and sovereignty.”

Meanwhile, pro-Russian absorption figures, including erstwhile Moldovan President Igor Dodon, urged supporters to stitchery extracurricular Parliament pursuing the election. The breakaway portion of Transnistria, controlled by pro-Russian separatists, denounced attempts to change the predetermination results.