While polls had indicated the country would vote overwhelmingly in support of amending the constitution to enshrine EU membership as a central goal, the razor-edge result left officials shocked and sparked allegations of widespread Russian interference.
“Our enemies want a divided, fearful Moldova; they want Moldovans to doubt their strength and unity,” said Sandu. “Their goal of buying 300,000 votes — and the state institutions documenting 150,000 people being paid to vote — shows that we must carefully examine where mistakes were made and learn from this vile attack on our sovereignty.”
Moscow has been accused of funneling cash through its proxies into the accounts of ordinary voters, as well as using social media to sow fears about the prospect of EU membership leading to a direct conflict with Russia.
The Moldovan government will now have to navigate years of tough talks with Brussels and secure the support of member states for its accession. Officials hope to formally join by 2030, and have told POLITICO that the EU should make a concrete commitment to the timeline.
Sandu also topped the list of candidates in a simultaneous presidential election where she was seeking a second term, with around 42 percent of the vote. However, having failed to achieve an outright majority, she will now face pro-Russian candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo in a second-round runoff.
The parliamentary election next year, she said, would be “one last battle” to fight along the road to EU membership, with Moscow-backed parties intent on changing the country’s trajectory.