Russia has developed a plan to interfere in the elections in Moldova and disrupt the government's efforts to keep the country on course for joining the European Union, writes Bloomberg, citing documents the agency has reviewed.
The multifaceted plan was finalized in the spring and was directly coordinated by the Kremlin. Its goal is to undermine the chances of President Maia Sandu's Action and Solidarity Party in the elections on September 28 and ultimately remove her from power.
According to the documents, the tactics include recruiting Moldovans abroad, including in Russia, to vote at polling stations in the EU and other countries, engaging individuals to organize disruptive protests, a disinformation campaign on Telegram, TikTok, and Facebook, as well as through more traditional channels and call centers. In messages in Romanian, the official language of Moldova, and Russian, Sandu is accused of being a foreign puppet who is plunging the country into distress and war.
«The Kremlin's goal is clear: to capture Moldova through ballot boxes, use us against Ukraine and turn us into a springboard for hybrid attacks on the European Union», Sandu said before EU lawmakers in Strasbourg on September 9. «That's why these elections are very important. By protecting them, we are protecting not only Moldova but also regional security and stability».
According to Sandu's estimate, Russia spent an amount equivalent to 1% of her country's GDP, or about 150 million euros (178 million dollars), to influence the referendum on joining the EU and her re-election as president. She believes similar amounts are being spent this time as well.
Moldovan police are taking tough measures against disinformation campaigns and attempts to bribe voters. Last month, authorities officially requested the blocking of 443 TikTok channels. On September 16 alone, during raids to dismantle a suspected money laundering operation, police seized 5 million Moldovan lei (302,000 dollars).
Sunday's elections will take place less than a year after the referendum on whether Moldova should seek EU membership, which passed with a narrow margin amid government claims of Kremlin interference.