Home HomeSwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Barely EU Yes in Moldova Despite Russian Influence

Moldova says yes to a future EU membership in a referendum. But the margin was minimal – and Russia is believed to have tried to influence the vote. We won fairly in an unfair fight, said President Maia Sandu.

» Updated: 21 October 2024, 19:40

» Published: 21 October 2024

Barely EU Yes in Moldova Despite Russian Influence
Photo: Vadim Ghirda/AP/TT

Russia is accused of having tried to influence the referendum in Moldova, which concerned writing the country's striving for EU membership into the constitution.

When almost all votes had been counted, the EU supporters had received 50.4 percent. This meant a minimal lead of 13,000 votes.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sent congratulations on Monday:

"Congratulations to the people of Moldova and to you (Sandu). You have done it again."

Through the referendum, Moldova has overcome a major obstacle on the path to becoming an EU member.

Russian influence

But for a long time, it looked like the no-side might unexpectedly win.

The President commented on the no-side's unexpectedly strong result on Sunday as a consequence of democracy and freedom in the country being "subjected to an attack of unprecedented scope".

Russian influence operations have been going on for several months, according to Sandu.

Even the EU Commission President claimed Russian involvement in a post on X:

"Moldova has shown its independence, its strength, and that the country wants a European future, despite Russia's hybrid tactics."

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), which has election observers on site, said in an initial report that the election had been conducted correctly, despite "serious attempts to undermine the election's integrity".

Bought votes?

The suspicions concern an enormous influence campaign, where votes from hundreds of thousands of people may have been bought by pro-Russian groups. Last week, over 100 Moldovans were also arrested who were allegedly trained in Moscow to create disturbances around the voting.

Russia has denied involvement in the election and demands evidence for the accusations. Furthermore, the Kremlin's spokesperson, Dmitrij Peskov, claims, without presenting any evidence, that they have discovered "deviations" in the vote count.

Wants into the EU

EU-friendly Sandu was the driving force behind Moldova's decision to apply for EU membership in 2022, after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Simultaneously with the referendum, a presidential election was held, where Maia Sandu received the most support with 42 percent. However, since she did not receive over 50 percent, there will be a second round of voting on November 3, where she will face the pro-Russian candidate Aleksandr Stoianoglo, who received around 26 percent of the votes.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

German opposition demands earlier no-confidence vote
1 MIN READ

German opposition demands earlier no-confidence vote

Iran: Trump's Victory Chance of Reconsideration
1 MIN READ

Iran: Trump's Victory Chance of Reconsideration

The demand to Georgia: Investigate election fraud
1 MIN READ

The demand to Georgia: Investigate election fraud

Democrats Fume: Biden's Arrogance Was Our Downfall
2 MIN READ

Democrats Fume: Biden's Arrogance Was Our Downfall

Two states are still counting their votes
1 MIN READ

Two states are still counting their votes

The Charges Against Trump – What Happens Now
3 MIN READ

The Charges Against Trump – What Happens Now

Struggle for Power in Congress
3 MIN READ

Struggle for Power in Congress

Xi wants a stable relationship with the USA in the "new era"
1 MIN READ

Xi wants a stable relationship with the USA in the "new era"

Russian drone attacks on Kyiv
1 MIN READ

Russian drone attacks on Kyiv

Australia: 16-year limit for Tiktok
2 MIN READ

Australia: 16-year limit for Tiktok

Melania Trump calls for unity
1 MIN READ

Melania Trump calls for unity

Zelensky: USA's leadership is crucial
1 MIN READ

Zelensky: USA's leadership is crucial

Biden praises Harris: "The best decision I made"
2 MIN READ

Biden praises Harris: "The best decision I made"

German Government Crisis – May Lead to New Elections
1 MIN READ

German Government Crisis – May Lead to New Elections

Joyful atmosphere at Trump's residence: "Life gets better"
3 MIN READ

Joyful atmosphere at Trump's residence: "Life gets better"

Charges against Trump may be dropped
1 MIN READ

Charges against Trump may be dropped

Harris: We Must Accept the Election Result
2 MIN READ

Harris: We Must Accept the Election Result

This is why Harris lost the election - in five points
3 MIN READ

This is why Harris lost the election - in five points

At Least 40 Dead in Lebanon After Israel's Attacks
2 MIN READ

At Least 40 Dead in Lebanon After Israel's Attacks

"No to Legalizing Cannabis in Florida"
1 MIN READ

"No to Legalizing Cannabis in Florida"