Sat Sep 27 18:23:22 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Moldova’s election authority has barred the pro-Russian “Greater Moldova” party from participating in Sunday’s parliamentary elections due to suspicions of illegal financing and foreign funding. This is the second pro-Russian party to be excluded in the lead-up to the vote. The ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) may lose its parliamentary majority in the election. The election is a turning point for Moldova.

**News Article:**

**Moldova Bars Pro-Russian Party Ahead of Pivotal Election Amidst Concerns of Russian Interference**

**CHISINAU, MOLDOVA – September 27, 2025** – In a move that has heightened tensions just ahead of Sunday’s parliamentary elections, Moldova’s Central Electoral Commission has excluded the pro-Russian “Greater Moldova” party from participating, citing evidence of illegal financing and foreign funding. The decision, announced late Friday, follows a similar ban imposed on another pro-Russian party, “Heart of Moldova,” last week.

The exclusion of “Greater Moldova” comes after police, security, and intelligence officials uncovered evidence suggesting the party used unreported financial resources and potentially bribed voters in an attempt to influence the outcome. Authorities also suspect the party of acting as a successor to a previously outlawed party led by fugitive business tycoon Ilan Shor, currently residing in Moscow. “Greater Moldova” leader Victoria Furtuna has denounced the decision as biased and vowed to appeal.

Sunday’s parliamentary vote is being viewed as a critical juncture for Moldova, a former Soviet republic and a candidate for EU membership. The ruling pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, has held a parliamentary majority since 2021. However, recent polls indicate that the PAS could lose its majority as opposition parties gain traction with voters concerned about the rising cost of living and a struggling economy.

Analysts suggest that the need to form a coalition government could complicate PAS’s efforts to secure Moldova’s entry into the EU by 2030. The latest developments are occurring as concerns persist over potential Russian interference in the election. Russia maintains that it does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.

The exclusion of the two pro-Russian parties raises questions about the fairness of the election, with both parties and their supporters claiming foul play. However, Moldovan officials insist they are acting to protect the integrity of the democratic process and prevent foreign interference.

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