**Moldova’s Pro-Russian Bloc to Contest September Elections**
In a move that has sparked concerns among the international community, Moldova’s pro-Russian Victory bloc plans to participate in the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections. The announcement was made by Ilan Shor, the founder of the bloc and an exiled pro-Kremlin oligarch.
The Victory bloc, which includes Shor’s own party that is currently banned in Moldova, aims to “overthrow the fascist regime” and hold early democratic elections within six months, according to Shor. The bloc will register its documents in the coming days to participate in the September vote.
At the helm of the candidate list will be Evghenia Gutul, the head of Moldova’s Gagauzia region who is currently on trial for illegally funding the banned Shor party. Gutul has maintained ties with Moscow and is under U.S. sanctions.
**High Stakes Ahead of Elections**
The upcoming September elections carry significant stakes for Moldova, one of Europe’s poorest countries. President Maia Sandu has stated that Chisinau’s European path rests on the outcome of the vote. The European Commission has also pledged to help Moldova defend itself against hybrid threats by “agents of autocracy” as elections approach.
Moldova was granted EU candidate status in 2022, and Sandu’s ruling Party of Action and Solidarity aims to maintain its parliamentary majority and move the country closer to full membership by 2030. However, the participation of the pro-Russian Victory bloc in the elections could potentially derail these plans and create uncertainty for Moldova’s European future.
**Commentary**
The announcement by the Victory bloc is a significant development that highlights the ongoing tensions between pro-Russian and pro-European forces in Moldova. The country has been grappling with internal conflicts, economic challenges, and external pressures from Russia, which has been seeking to expand its influence in the region.
The fact that Evghenia Gutul, who is currently on trial for illegal financing, will head the candidate list raises questions about her suitability to lead the bloc and potentially the country. Her ties to Moscow and U.S. sanctions also add a layer of complexity to Moldova’s already precarious political situation.
As elections approach, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the participation of the pro-Russian Victory bloc in Moldova’s parliamentary elections. One thing is certain, however: the outcome of these elections will have significant implications for the country’s future and its relationship with Europe.
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