Moldova stands at a crucial crossroads as polling stations opened today for a crucial referendum. Voters across the country are tasked with two important decisions: determining their next president and deciding whether Moldova should join the European Union (EU).
Current polls indicate that around 60% of Moldovans favor EU membership; however, a participation rate of at least 33% is required for the referendum to be considered valid. The potential for a new future is palpable in many regions, but skepticism persists.
In the capital Chișinău, citizens expressed mixed feelings regarding EU membership. “Nothing good,” one man remarked, echoing the frustrations of those who have long lived with deteriorating infrastructure and stagnant development. “All these years, they did nothing. The roads are completely degraded. I don’t see any hope for the future,” he added.
Conversely, many voters believe that EU membership could improve living standards and wages, issues that have pushed many young Moldovans to seek better opportunities abroad. “I think these elections go hand in hand because of course I will choose the European path,” said an optimistic voter, stressing the importance of unifying the nation’s vision for its future.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time and will close at 9 p.m., with the possibility of a presidential runoff on November 3 if incumbent President Maia Sandu does not obtain an absolute majority . Sandu, a staunch supporter of EU membership, faces competition from Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general with pro-Russian affiliations, with a score of around 10%.
The Moldovan minimum wage, currently set at 5,000 leu (around 261 euros) per month, is one of the lowest in the world. Europe. A recent analysis by independent think tank Idis Viitorul found that more than 200,000 Moldovans have left the country over the past four years, a record number. Alarmingly, more than 40% of Moldovans living abroad are in the 30-44 age group, indicating a potential demographic shift by 2030, when foreign-born people could be more numerous than those born in Moldova.
“For about 20 years we have been talking about Moldova within the European Union, and we are now very close to it. It is crucial not to miss this opportunity,” remarked President Maia Sandu, who has actively advocated for EU membership. The nation was granted EU candidate status in 2022, marking a pivotal moment in its European aspirations.
However, the shadow of foreign influence hangs over the referendum. Moldovan authorities have highlighted attempts by Russian-backed campaigns to demobilize voters. The allegations revealed that around 14 million euros in Russian funds were funneled directly to around 130,000 Moldovans with the aim of influencing votes against European integration. Pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor, known for orchestrating Kremlin-backed operations in Moldova, is even said to have offered financial incentives for anti-EU votes.
In response, Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean urged citizens to remain vigilant against external destabilization efforts. “It is up to you, dear citizens, to put an end to the attack on democracy,” he said. “On Sunday, you make the choice: do we return to the past or do we march towards a future within the family of civilized countries?
As the nation votes today, the Central Election Commission announced that ballots could be cast at 2,221 polling stations, including 1,957 across Moldova and 234 stations set up in various countries for Moldovans living abroad. ‘stranger.
Originally published in The European Times.
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