Moldovan President Maia Sandu on 30 July accused Russia of preparing a large-scale interference in the country’s parliamentary elections to be held on 28 September.
Sandu, who has a pro-Western stance, said Russia is seeking to take control of Moldova in the autumn, the Moldovan service of Radio Liberty wrote.
At a press conference after the Security Council meeting, she said the Kremlin is expected to use various methods, including supporting pro-Russian forces in elections, organising street protests by bribing their participants, attacking state institutions, bribing voters, and campaigning on the Internet.
Sandu named one of Russia’s possible goals as reducing the turnout of Moldovan citizens living abroad.
In the referendum on Moldova’s accession to the EU and the recent presidential election, it was this group of voters who were decisive.
Sandu also warned that, according to her data, Russia supports not only clearly pro-Russian forces, but also opposition candidates who position themselves as independent and pro-European but oppose the government. The goal is to change the current government as a result of the elections.
According to the president, the Russian authorities use illegal schemes to finance political projects in Moldova, including through cryptocurrencies.
Sandu also mentioned the possible involvement of the Orthodox Church in Moscow’s schemes and accused Russia of misinformation on the Internet. At the same time, she criticised the social network Telegram, saying it did not respond to the authorities’ enquiries about possible violations of electoral law using the platform.
Russia’s interference “carries serious risks for public order and national security, and most importantly, it can dramatically undermine the country’s sovereignty and our European future,” Sandu said.
Moscow has not yet commented on the accusations. Earlier, Russia, on the contrary, accused EU countries of interfering in the elections in Moldova – on the side of the pro-Western government and its candidates.
Parliamentary elections in Moldova will be held on 28 September. According to the latest polls, the ruling Action and Solidarity party maintains its lead.
Leading opposition forces, led by former President Igor Dodon, recently announced the formation of an electoral alliance advocating “normalisation” of relations with Russia, against the country’s pro-Western orientation.
Another opposition bloc called “Victory”, linked to the businessman Ilan Shor, who was convicted in absentia in Moldova and has Russian citizenship, was not allowed to run.