Moldovan opposition leader Alexandr Stoianoglo, who faced defeat in the presidential election last November, announced on Friday that he is leading a coalition of three parties aimed at challenging the pro-Western ruling majority in the upcoming parliamentary election.
Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor general, came closer than anticipated to unseating pro-Western President Maia Sandu, losing in a runoff after advocating for a balanced foreign policy that engages both Russia and the West. His campaign received support from the pro-Moscow socialist party.
The parliamentary election, which is required to take place by October 11 but has yet to be scheduled, is expected to be competitive and may significantly impact the number of seats held by Sandu's pro-Western PAS party. Moldova, situated between Ukraine and Romania, is a geopolitical focal point for tensions between Russia and the West, characterized by a Romanian-speaking majority and a substantial Russian-speaking minority. Sandu's government is working towards Moldova's accession to the European Union by 2030.
During a press briefing in Chisinau, Stoianoglo emphasized that his coalition's primary goal is "the consolidation of Moldovan society." He stated, "We will not divide people into good and bad, our voters and strangers, or different nationalities.
The newly formed "Alternative" coalition will unite the parties of Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban, former Prime Minister Ion Chicu, and former lawmaker Marc Tcaciuc. During a joint press conference, Ceban expressed the coalition's commitment to "restore the faith of Moldova's citizens in reforms and European integration," emphasizing the need for competent governance.
Moldova's opposition frequently criticizes President Maia Sandu and her PAS party for perceived inefficiencies and a lack of responsiveness to public interests. In contrast, Sandu's administration argues that the opposition seeks to undermine Moldova's aspirations to join the European Union.
Tensions between Chisinau and Moscow have escalated, particularly following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Sandu publicly condemned. Russia maintains a military presence in Transdniestria, a breakaway region of Moldova controlled by pro-Moscow separatists. The Moldovan government has accused Russia of interfering in its presidential election and a concurrent referendum on EU membership, which passed but with narrower margins than anticipated; Moscow denies these allegations.
In recent months, disputes over gas supplies to Transdniestria have intensified, impacting thousands of residents who have been left without gas or winter heating. The region plays a crucial role in generating electricity for the rest of Moldova, further complicating the relationship between the two governments.
Russian gas supplies to Transdniestria via Ukraine were halted at the beginning of January when a transit agreement expired. Moldova has urged Moscow to reroute gas shipments, but Gazprom has suspended exports, citing an unpaid debt from Moldova, which Chisinau disputes and does not acknowledge.
Chisinau accuses Russia of deliberately orchestrating an energy crisis to influence the upcoming parliamentary elections, while Russia attributes the blame to Moldova and Ukraine.
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