Supporters of fugitive pro-Russian oligarch rallied against European integration in Moldova

In Moldova, activists from the Pobeda bloc, led by wanted pro-Russian politician and businessman Ilan Shor, marched against European integration in Chisinau. This was reported by Newsmaker.

March against EU integration in Moldova

On September 22, activists from the Pobeda bloc’s youth branch marched against European integration, chanting “For Moldova without the EU,” “Down with Maia Sandu,” and “We demand justice.”.

“Representatives of the new generation are fed up with having foreign ideas and customs forced on them. The process of European integration must not be utilized to destroy our traditions and values! “We choose peace and sovereignty,” the demonstrators stated in a Telegram message.

The protest has yet to be addressed by government officials or the presidential administration.

The Pobeda Bloc was established in Moscow in April 2024. It contained five groups commanded by fugitive politician Ilan Shor, who has been imprisoned for 15 years in Moldova: the unconstitutional Shor party, Chance, Revival, Alternative Force for the Salvation of Moldova, and Victoria.

Presidential election campaign in Moldova

On August 1, the presidential election campaign in Moldova officially began, which is critical for the present government, its Western partners, the Kremlin, which is attempting to reintegrate Moldova into its circle, and its numerous agents of influence in Chisinau. The election will take place on October 20.

The stakes are quite high, and the current government has pushed them even higher by coupling the presidential election with a referendum on constitutional revisions that seek to entrench Moldova’s European orientation. This is a political technology step. Its goal is to rally pro-European people, who will then be able to vote for the re-election of the present president, Maia Sandu.

Referendum on European integration

However, there are some adverse effects. Sandu’s duty has become even more complex. The success of the referendum is less obvious; additionally, it is unclear how to avoid a split in the country, as Moldova’s attitude toward the EU is not uniform.

Even in the midst of full-fledged Russian aggression against Ukraine, over half of Moldovan voters polled believe Russia should be among Chisinau’s economic and political partners. Moldovans still believe that “we should be friends with everyone, both the EU and Russia,” and Russian propaganda continues to influence Moldovans, particularly Russian speakers, despite all legislative prohibitions. It is now being read online rather than watched on television.

Polls show Maia Sandu as the overwhelming leader, and the question is whether she will win in the first round or if she will have to vote twice. However, the subject of holding a constitutional referendum to seal Moldova’s European orientation is far from decided.