Against all expectations, the Moldovians said Entry into the European Union is not permitted. In the constitutional referendum which should have been a historic step for the country. The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) has released data, which confirms a fragmented political reality: on the one hand, young people, immigrants and Romanians who support European integration. Russian speakers, on the other hand, have nostalgic memories and older generations, who are still connected to the Russian sphere of influence.
was required by the referendum President Maya SandhuIn what was intended to stabilize the path to the EU, I saw a twist: there is no overwhelming Yes majority for the EU. In the last few hours, the Yes vote has a slim majority at 50.03%.
Sandhu and the presidential race on the rise
For Maya Sandu, if the referendum was a sign of confidence in her work, the result was a blow. gave Simultaneous presidential elections in MoldovaJust complicate the picture: the president stops at 34.1%, forcing a Belt Against pro-Russian socialist Alexander Stoyanoglu. A result below forecasts that saw it at 35.8 percent. A dark day for the pro-European leader, who now has to deal with an electorate that is more divided than he expected.
High participation and chaos in elections
The turnout was remarkable, with 51.5% participation, much higher than previous rounds. But there was no shortage. Accidents. Endless queues, photo ballots, bought votes and hooligan mayhem: Moldovan police had to work overtime to control a situation that at times seemed out of control.
Chaos was particularly reported in Bucharest, where Moldovans queuing at the polls faced kilometer-long queues. Meanwhile, Moscow continues to deny any involvement in the blockade operations, but suspicion remains.
Moscow’s long shadow
Then there is a fact. is suspected.Russian meddling in the vote. Agi reports that the Kremlin has implemented a plan to influence the vote, spending huge sums of money to buy votes and boycott Moldova’s European integration.
Let’s talk about us 15 million dollars To buy the support of 130,000 voters from Russian banks. Other rumors report an even higher figure, with Russia investing $100 million to block the referendum and prevent the EU’s desire to enter the preamble of the Moldovan constitution.
Russia plans to train youth to sow riots ahead of referendum
This is very recent news reported by Reuters, which states that the Moldovan police have discovered a secret program in which Hundreds of citizens were brought to Russia. to receive training Aimed at fueling civil unrest on the eve of presidential elections and referendums on EU membership.
According to the Moldovan police, since June this year, more than 300 young Moldovans have been sent to Russia to participate in what is billed as a cultural exchange program. In reality, these men visited training camps attached to private military companies located in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia, where they allegedly received detailed instructions. How to manage riots in Moldova. Some of the participants have been arrested and are cooperating with authorities in the investigation.
And while the Kremlin has distanced itself from the allegations, the role of Alan ShoreThe fugitive oligarch who allegedly invested 15 million to advance No. Telegrams, rallies, vote-buying: Shor left no means to destabilize Moldova, while Transnistria It is there, frozen in time, with his 2,000 Russian troops ready to intervene.
An investigation by the anti-corruption prosecutor’s office is in full swing and authorities are shedding light on links between the criminal group and Shor’s activities.