EGN NEWS DESK
Russia-fed misinformation has been stoking fears about Sandu’s potential reelection as effectively, claiming she’s getting ready to tug the nation to struggle with Transnistria, which is politically backed by Moscow. These misinformation efforts have additionally centered on tarnishing the EU’s repute, claiming that membership will unfold LGBTQ+ propaganda and result in household separations.
Despite Russia’s exterior assist for the opposition, nonetheless, Moldova’s pro-European forces are laying the groundwork for a profitable near their marketing campaign. Sandu has actively promoted EU integration, holding massive rallies in Chișinău and launching her reelection bid with a give attention to EU aspirations.
The nation’s civil society has been lively too. For instance, one marketing campaign by the Institute for Politics and European Reform aired poignant adverts in favor of the EU through the Euro soccer championships, presenting a display screen break up to match visions of a lifetime of peace and of struggle, calling to rejoice the “79 years of peace and respect for all times” that European integration introduced the Continent.
The EU itself has additionally carried out a superb job selling the efficacy of a robust relationship with Brussels. After being granted candidate standing in 2022 and formally starting negotiations in December 2023, Moldova hit main milestones in its accession course of. It hosted the 2023 European Political Community Summit, attended by 45 European heads of state and authorities. And indicators of EU-funded public works initiatives at the moment are seen all through the nation, reinforcing the tangible advantages of EU affiliation.
However, even when all these efforts fall quick, the format of the query posed to voters would possibly assist Moldova keep away from the U.Ok.’s destiny. In Britain, voters have been confronted with a broad query about leaving or remaining within the EU, whereas Moldovan voters shall be particularly requested about together with EU aspirations of their structure.
Thus, whereas a failure within the referendum would possibly problem the federal government’s perceived legitimacy, it wouldn’t essentially preclude Moldova from a European future. It would, nonetheless, make the 2025 parliamentary elections — the place Sandu’s party presently faces bleak prospects — all of the extra necessary.
Overall, Moldova’s pro-European forces have efficiently laid the groundwork for a constructive outcome on this yr’s referendum — however they will’t afford to be overly complacent on the eleventh hour. And Sunday’s outcomes will present whether or not Moldovans’ efforts to keep away from their “Brexit second” will succeed.
