There was a slight scare for Moldova‘s European aspirations on 20 October, when two essential elections for the way forward for the nation befell: the presidential election and a referendum on integration with the European Union.
Outgoing President Maia Sandu (Motion and Solidarity Celebration, centre-right) got here out on high within the first spherical of the presidential election, with 42.31 % of the vote. The professional-European candidate, who was up towards eleven different candidates, must face Alexander Stoianoglo (pro-Russian opposition, 26.7 % of the vote) in a tough second spherical on 3 November.
Within the referendum on European integration, the Sure aspect gained by a hair’s breadth, with 50.41 % of the vote, largely because of the involvement of the massive, largely pro-European Moldovan diaspora.
The surprisingly shut contest – polls had predicted a barely greater lead for the Sure aspect – was partly defined by the Moldovan authorities’ accusations that Russia was making an attempt to meddle within the elections in favour of the pro-Kremlin opposition. Though these assaults haven’t but been backed up by proof, they echo the numerous investigations of current months which have revealed an enormous community of pro-Russian interference throughout the nation.
Obtain one of the best of European journalism straight to your inbox each Thursday