Shortly before the parliamentary election, the weather in Chisinau, the capital of the Republic of Moldova, is variable. Autumn fights the last signs of summer, hours of constant rain intertwin with hot, cloudless days. The political situation is just as unpredictable as the weather. The polls point to a fierce race between the pro-European organization of Action and Solidarity (PAS) of the president of the country of Mai Sandu and pro-Russian parties.
In the centre of Chisinau, the presidential staff of the organization are fighting for all vote, approaching passers-bys on the streets and giving them flyers with election promises.
Every voice counts
One of them is Cristian. It stands in a stream of people rushing Stefan's central boulevard mark Mare and gives out yellow election flyers to the ruling PAS.
– I hope that our country will decide to be part of the EU as a democratic country that respects human rights. People request to take work for their voice, due to the fact that it will decide our future and future generations," she tells DW reporters.
For a 35-year-old, the future of Moldova must lie within the European Union. – Thanks to the EU, wages increase in our country. This allows us to become more independent and to carry out various projects, specified as digitalisation," says the man.
Just a fewer metres away, 50-year-old Vitalie approaches passersby, trying to get their votes for the organization "Our Party" (PN) of the controversial businessman Renato Usatia. The wind pulls the brochures a man gives away.
– Our country has been impoverished in the last 4 years," he says. He believes that the way to the EU, which is chosen by PAS, is simply a mistake: "The alleged European dream is simply a large lie. The EU will not be ready to accept the Republic of Moldova – not in two, three, 4 or 10 years. We should take a close look at this and not perceive to European lies and European promises," he says.
Television and TikTok
Cristian, Vitalie and their colleagues talk to hundreds of people all day to convince them of their views. organization ads are constantly aired on television, and politicians effort to scope the youngest voters on TikTok. In the face of the upcoming elections, politicians do not have a minute to rest; Maia Sandu speaks straight of the most crucial elections in the past of the country.
The EU or Russia, the West or the East – for many Moldovans is the main issue in these elections. Shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, a tiny country located between Romania and Ukraine applied for membership of the European Union and shortly thereafter, in June 2022, obtained candidate status.
The intent of the current government is to enter the EU by 2030 – to the large disappointment of Russia, which has long had an economical and political impact on Moldova. This political debate is now taking place even on the walls of the Chisinian houses. There's a sign on the wall in the city center that says "Russians out of Moldova". individual else scribbled red paint on it, Sandu – Sheep.
Fears of Russia’s Response
Although many have found clear answers, 26-year-old Alina sees it differently. – Regardless of the result of the election, we are in a place – says a woman, by the profession of task manager. She spent her childhood in a tiny town in confederate Moldova and has lived in Chisinau since graduation.
He fears that the EU will turn around if the pro-Russian parties have an advantage in the parliament, and is afraid that this may besides lead to the completion of EU financial support. This year, the EU decided to pay out EUR 1.9 billion in loans and grants to Moldova by 2027 – the support you truly need.
But even if the pro-European organization succeeds, Alina worries about Russia's reaction. “The Chisinaus are small, and Moldova is not peculiarly large,” he says.
War in the neighboring country
The border with Ukraine is only 50 kilometres from Chisinau. Since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, more than 1.3 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring Moldova. About 100 000 of them remained in the country – an economical burden for Moldova of 2.4 million inhabitants.
The war in Ukraine is besides a constant intellectual burden. Russian drones have fallen repeatedly in Moldova. “To feel close to war,” says 22-year-old Michelle, who works as sales manager. We're under pressure. Now not so strong, but possibly we're just utilized to it," he says.
Fear of the war with Russia echoes among many – yet in Moldova already finds about 1,500 Russian soldiers. They are stationed in Transnistria, a part of the country that has functioned since 1990 as an pretend-state, with their own army, currency and government. The region is economically and militarily dependent on Russia and has already requested accession to the Russian Federation.
The current government of Moldova, PAS, has repeatedly expressed solidarity with Ukraine – unlike the "Patriotic Electoral Block" (BEP). Current polls place pro-Russian electoral alliance in second place.
"Neutrality is our shield. The Republic of Moldova must be the bridge between the East and the West and not the battlefield," writes BEP in his electoral paper, fueling the fear of possible invasion of Russia in the event of further approximation of the country with the EU.
These fears besides spread online. Anastasia Nani works for the Center for Independent Journalism. In fresh years, this organization has carefully monitored social media and identified Russia's immense influences. 1 of the most common narratives is: "NATO and Ukraine want to drag us into war, and our people must go to the front," Nani says. “The legitimacy of the election is already contested,” he adds. Russia is trying to undermine Moldovan assurance in elections and the regulation of law.
Record inflation
But the war in Ukraine is not the only serious electoral problem. Like across Europe, inflation is 1 of the most urgent problems in Moldova. – Yesterday I bought tomatoes and bread for 70 Moldovan leu (about 3.5 euros) – it just doesn't make sense – says Alina.
When Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, inflation in Moldova rapidly increased to almost 29 percent. Although it has since fallen, in August of that year it inactive importantly exceeded the EU average of 7.3 percent.
– I don't spend much and I care very much about finances – Michelle says. “I don’t go on vacation, I barely spend money on clothes, but only on things that I absolutely need: food, home appliances – that’s all.
The yeast touches everyone.
Price increases are felt by all social classes. However, it peculiarly hits those who had small before the war in the neighbouring country, specified as pensioners. Almost a 3rd of Moldovans presently live below the poorness line, especially in agrarian areas. Older women beg in front of many supermarkets in Chisinau. Older men and women sale fruit and vegetables at markets.
This year, housing prices, both for sale and rental, have increased. Renting a one-bedroom flat in Chisinau frequently costs EUR 500 per month, with an average monthly income of only EUR 800. Real property prices have increased this year more than always before.
– I am 26 years old and I would like to buy an flat in the future – says Alina. - But how? The prices are now highly high. It's just crazy.
The hope of Alina and most Moldovans is simple: no more rising prices. The next Sunday will show which political organization voters will trust to accomplish this.
