Chisinau, 15 August 2025 — President Maia Sandu has warned that Moldova’s diaspora faces “unprecedented” pressure from hostile forces ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections. Speaking at the Congress of the Moldovan Diaspora on 15 August, Sandu cited attempts to bribe voters abroad and the rise of fake social media accounts spreading anti-European messages.
Rising disinformation campaigns target Moldovan voters abroad
Sandu detailed that coordinated online campaigns are amplifying anti-reform narratives, undermining the government’s European agenda, and promoting content against Moldova. She stressed, “We know that hostile forces from abroad exert unprecedented pressure on the diaspora. We have information on attempts to bribe diaspora voters. We also observe a significant increase in fake accounts engaging in coordinated influence campaigns online, promoting anti-European slogans and messages against reforms implemented in recent years, as well as against Moldova itself.”
Urgent call for vigilance among citizens abroad
The president urged Moldovan citizens living overseas to remain vigilant and united, defending the country’s sovereignty, democracy, freedom, and European path. She emphasized that opponents of Moldova’s development aim to strip diaspora members of voting rights and sever their connection with the country. Sandu noted, “On the eve of elections, we again hear messages suggesting the diaspora should not decide the future of the country. Those who do not wish us well see the diaspora as a mass of people to be manipulated.”
Diaspora support crucial for election integrity
Moldova’s diaspora is a key supporter of Sandu and her party, making overseas votes critical for the 2025 parliamentary elections, which may determine the nation’s strategic trajectory and bear significance for Ukraine. Earlier, Sandu warned of Russia’s unprecedented interference, expecting disinformation campaigns, organized paid protests, and attempts to sabotage diaspora voting.
Regional partners reinforce election protection
Moldova faces hybrid threats undermining its sovereignty and democratic processes, with manipulation, bribery, and disinformation jeopardizing election legitimacy. The European Union has highlighted such attacks as a regional security concern, providing support through sanctions, information monitoring, and electoral observation missions. Ukraine also remains a strategic partner, sharing experience in countering hybrid threats and offering cyber defense and informational support to the diaspora.
Moldova maintains European integration course
Despite external pressures, Moldova’s commitment to EU integration remains steadfast. Protecting democratic values and ensuring transparent elections is the country’s most effective response to any foreign interference, reinforcing both domestic stability and regional security.
