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German government condemns Moscow’s influence attempts in Moldova

by AI | 22.Oct 2024 | Europe in brief AI

The pro-European Moldovan President Maia Sandu criticizes massive vote buying after the elections and the EU referendum. The German government condemns Russia’s ongoing attempts at manipulation and offers Moldova further support on its path to the European Union.

October 21, 2024, Moldova, Chisinau: Maia Sandu, President of Moldova, speaks to the media during a press conference after the closing of the polling stations for the presidential elections and the referendum on whether the country's path to the European Union should be enshrined in the constitution. Photo: Vadim Ghirda/AP/dpa

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Berlin – The federal government condemns ongoing attempts at manipulation and influence by Russia following the presidential election and an EU referendum in the former Soviet republic of Moldova. “We see that Russia and also pro-Russian actors are attempting to destabilize Moldova on a large scale,” said deputy government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann in Berlin.

She added: “We condemn this ongoing manipulation and attempts to influence a democratic election and, ultimately, the decision-making of the Moldovan population.” At the same time, Hoffmann called for an investigation of the events.

According to the election commission in Chisinau, the pro-European president Maia Sandu won the first round of the presidential election. However, the 52-year-old must face a runoff on November 3 against former Prosecutor General Alexandru Stoianoglo from the Socialist Party of the pro-Russian ex-president Igor Dodon.

Sandu complains about unprecedented election manipulation

Sandu complains about an unprecedented attack by anti-democratic forces on the election and stated that 300,000 votes were bought with millions by criminal groups in collaboration with a foreign power. She did not mention details.

Hoffmann emphasized that the German government will continue to support Moldova on its path to the EU. The rapprochement and prospective accession are in the strategic interest of the European Union as a whole. A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office in Berlin said Germany is helping Moldova by sending civilian experts and police officers to fight disinformation as part of the EU partnership mission, as well as by promoting expert advice from the Moldovan Center for Strategic Communication and Disinformation. (October 21)

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