Russia is accused, once again, of interfering in a foreign election — this time, in Moldova. Several news outlets reported on a plan, allegedly created by the Kremlin, to weaken the position of Moldovan President Maia Sandu and her political party, the Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS).
Moldova is taking security measures to stop it, as Sandu publicly warned that Russia is spending hundreds of millions of euros to try to interfere with the election outcome.
“People are intoxicated daily with lies,” Sandu said. “Hundreds of individuals are paid to provoke disorder, violence, and spread fear. … I appeal to all citizens: We must not allow our country to be handed over to foreign interests.”
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Election seen as key to Moldova’s EU hopes
The election is set to take place on Sept. 28, and the result could play a crucial role in determining whether Moldova can successfully join the European Union.
Moldova’s government claims that Moscow is allegedly spreading false information, organizing mass riots and buying votes to destabilize the effort.
Moldovan authorities conducted 250 raids and said 74 people were detained, according to The Associated Press.
“If Russia comes to control Moldova, the consequences will be direct and dangerous for our country and for the entire region,” Sandu said. “All Moldovans will suffer, no matter who they voted for. Europe will end at the border with Moldova. European funds will stop at the Prut. Freedom of movement could end. Our land could become an infiltration ramp towards the Odessa region. The Transnistrian region would be destabilized. These are their plans and they say them openly.”
Russia’s interference record raises alarm
This is not the first time Moscow has been accused of meddling in a foreign election. The U.S. intelligence community concluded that Russia interfered in the 2016 election by hurting Hillary Clinton’s campaign and boosting then-candidate Donald Trump’s chances.
A Russian group called “Internet Research Agency” ran fake U.S. accounts on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter (now known as X) and Instagram. According to the 2020 Senate report, they spread misinformation, fueled political division and promoted Trump online. They also organized real protests in the U.S. using fake identities, according to the Senate report.
The Kremlin has not responded to the allegations.
