Moldova’s ruling party stages mass rally

Supporters of the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) staged a mass march in central Chisinau to rally for a fair and transparent voting process ahead of the parliamentary elections. Hundreds of demonstrators moved along Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard to the parliament, carrying banners reading slogans such as “I vote for peace,” “Freedom – now or never,” and “Their weapon is money, our weapon is the vote,” and chanting pro‑European and peace-oriented slogans. PAS leaders framed the event as a civic mobilisation to defend electoral integrity, urging broad participation from youth and civil society to deter interference and signal confidence in democratic institutions. Prime Minister Dorin Recean and PAS leader Igor Grosu addressed the crowd; Grosu thanked participants and called on citizens to vote.

Organizers and officials accused external actors, particularly Russia, of attempting to influence Moldova’s political process through disinformation, illicit financing and vote buying, and said visible public backing could help guard against such pressures. The march’s messages explicitly rejected narratives that the party is steering the country toward conflict, with demonstrators proclaiming support for European integration and stability.

Opposition figures and observers interpreted the rally alternatively as partisan mobilisation rather than a purely civic action, underscoring the polarized environment. The Patriotic Bloc, a pro‑Russian opposition alliance, has promoted restored ties with post‑Soviet partners and criticised PAS leadership for foreign‑policy choices; former president Igor Dodon has accused PAS associates of pushing the country toward war. The campaign period has been marked by disputes over external influence, allegations of meddling, and intense partisan rivalry.

The march took place during the final phase of campaigning ahead of the election, part of a crowded race for 101 parliamentary seats involving 15 parties, three coalitions and four independents; one opposition grouping — the National Unity Bloc — withdrew to back PAS. Authorities’ handling of public order during the rally, possible security deployments and any disruptions were noted by monitors as points of interest amid heightened tensions.