Moldova excludes another “pro-Russian” party from elections

Moldova's Central Election Commission has excluded the Moldova Mare party from Sunday's parliamentary elections. This decision was preceded by reports from security authorities of illegal financing and the use of foreign funds. The party was classified as “pro-Russian.”

According to the commission, the party had undisclosed financial resources. There are also suspicions that it influenced voters with cash gifts. The authorities also link it to the already banned party of businessman and fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor, who is currently in Moscow and rejects the allegations.

Party leader Victoria Furtună described the decision as biased and announced an appeal. Greater Moldova is already the second “pro-Russian” party to be excluded shortly before the elections – the day before, the Heart of Moldova party was also banned.

Sunday's vote is considered crucial for the country's future and its goal of joining the European Union by 2030. According to polls, President Maia Sandu's ruling PAS party could lose its parliamentary majority, which would complicate its integration plans.

(reuters, sab)