We’re counting down the hours to one of the most consequential elections in Moldova’s post-Soviet history. A ‘Day if Silence’ period commenced today (Saturday) when no campaiging is perimtted.
President Maia Sandu and her ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) — long seen as the champions of Moldova’s pro-European course — may struggle to hold on.
In a candid pre-election address, Sandu acknowledged the frustration in the air: “I know that some of you will say that not enough has been done, that you are disappointed, that you have no more reason to vote, that you are scared or that you are tired of saving the country. Know that this is what the Kremlin counts on and this is what the corrupt people count on. Good things take decades to do. Bad things can come upon us overnight.”
Her words capture a stark reality: while Moscow’s fingerprints are all over attempts to destabilize Moldova, the deeper challenge is homegrown. Many voters feel the government has been unresponsive to everyday grievances — inflation, widening wealth gaps, migration and basic livelihoods.
Because of the urgency of this moment, I’m opening up this week’s World Briefing Plus video commentary to all subscribers. Normally reserved for paid members, it’s a front-row seat to the kind of insight and context I provide every week — and today, you’ll see why Moldova’s choice matters far beyond its borders.
