The pro-EU Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) has won Moldova’s parliamentary elections, securing 50.2% of the popular vote and 55 of the 101 seats in the unicameral parliament. PAS has secured a stronger-than-expected result after pre-election polls put the party neck-and-neck with the main opposition (and pro-Russian) Patriotic Electoral Bloc (BEP), which came a distant second with just 24%.

Three other parties entered parliament, including the moderately pro-EU Alternativa Bloc with 8% (whose leadership includes the Mayor of Chisinau), the left-wing populist Our Party with 6.2% and the Romanian-Moldovan unionist Democracy at Home party (PPDA) with 5.6%. Russia allegedly sought to heavily interfere with the election through the illicit financing of pro-Russian formations and disinformation campaigns, to which Moldovan authorities responded by cracking down on alleged Russian operatives and banning parties with alleged financial connections to Moscow.

Informally led by President Maia Sandu, the ruling PAS, having defied pre-election polls, will now be able to form a government on its own. In line with Moldova’s constitution, Sandu will nominate a Prime Minister from the ruling PAS once the results are officially confirmed. The new PM will then have 15 days to form a government and seek a vote of confidence in parliament.

Under a new PAS-led government, Moldova will focus on the continuation of pro-EU reforms, sustained progress on EU accession talks and further alignment with EU regulation. International financial support, including EU grants and loans, will remain stable. This would also mean a more predictable business environment, with clearer rules and investment protection measures. At the same time, the new government will face a variety of challenges, including ensuring energy security and diversification, improving living standards in a stagnating economy, tackling inflation and potential ongoing security threats from the Kremlin.