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Day: September 29, 2025
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Chisinau – Moldova’s pro-European Union ruling party, Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), secured a definitive victory and a new majority in a crucial parliamentary election held on Sunday, pivotal for the country’s aspirations to join the EU, reports 24brussels.
The election was marred by widespread allegations of Russian interference in the former Soviet republic. These elections are deemed crucial for Moldova’s ongoing efforts to integrate into the European Union, initiatives that gained momentum following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
How did the parties perform in the results?
With nearly all polling station data reported, initial results show that the pro-EU PAS garnered 50.1% of the vote, while the pro-Russian Patriotic Electoral Bloc received 24.2%. The Russia-friendly Alternativa Bloc finished in third place, followed closely by the populist Our Party, while the right-wing Democracy at Home party also achieved sufficient votes to secure a seat in parliament.
These electoral results indicate that PAS is anticipated to attain a significant majority, potentially winning around 55 of the 101 seats in the legislature. Any proposed government will require parliamentary approval.
What messages did EU leaders send after the election win?
European Council President António Costa congratulated the Moldovan electorate, stating:
“The people of Moldova have spoken and their message is loud and clear. They chose democracy, reform, and a European future in the face of pressure and interference from Russia. The EU stands with Moldova. Every step of the way.”
Additionally, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her congratulations to the Moldovan citizens, asserting:
“No attempt to sow fear or division could break your resolve.”
“You made your choice clear: Europe. Democracy. Freedom. Our door is open. And we will stand with you every step of the way. The future is yours,”
How did Russia allegedly try to influence voting?
Moldovan voters encountered numerous accusations of electoral irregularities, reflecting the high tension surrounding the elections. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that polling stations in Romania, Spain, Italy, and the United States received bomb threats during the voting process.
President Maia Sandu’s administration warned that Russia attempted to manipulate the election through extensive disinformation campaigns and vote-buying strategies. Reports indicated that the electoral infrastructure and government websites were subject to cyber attacks, while fake bomb threats occurred at polling stations both within Moldova and abroad.
Furthermore, police apprehended three individuals with alleged ties to security services in Moldova’s pro-Russian breakaway region of Transnistria, accused of orchestrating plans to instigate “mass destabilizations and disorder.”
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Brussels – On Monday, the European Union announced the reimposition of extensive sanctions on Iran regarding its nuclear program, following the UN’s reimplementation of broader measures aimed at preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear bomb, reports 24brussels.
The decision comes in light of the “snapback” mechanism invoked by France, Germany, and the UK on August 28, which cited Iran’s significant non-compliance with commitments outlined in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The reimposed sanctions include measures prohibiting dealings with Tehran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, in addition to extensive financial restrictions, such as freezing the assets of Iran’s central bank. These sanctions effectively reverse the relief granted to Iran in 2015 under the negotiated deal with former President Barack Obama that imposed substantial restrictions on its nuclear activities.
How did Iran fail to comply with JCPOA commitments?
During the thirty-day snapback period, diplomatic engagements were conducted; however, Iran did not meet the criteria necessary to extend UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which had previously lifted these sanctions. The reimposed restrictions are intended to pressure Iran into resuming full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and returning to negotiations for a diplomatic resolution.
How does Kaja Kallas view diplomacy with Iran now?
A day prior to the sanctions announcement, Kaja Kallas, the EU’s chief diplomat, emphasized that the reinstatement of broad sanctions on Iran’s nuclear program should not mark the end of diplomatic efforts with the country. Kallas asserted that although the EU will align with the UN in reinstating sanctions, “a sustainable solution to the Iranian nuclear issue can only be achieved through negotiations.”
What sanctions has the EU imposed on Iran since 2007?
Since 2007, the European Union has imposed multiple sanctions on Iran due to its nuclear activities, which began with a comprehensive arms embargo and restrictions on materials and technologies relevant to missile and nuclear development. These sanctions have targeted Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs, curtailing its financial, trade, and technological capabilities within these sectors.
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