Romanian political analyst: Russia could try to influence the parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, using tactics tested in Romania
Relations between the Republic of Moldova and Romania will remain stable, despite the decision of the Constitutional Court in Bucharest on December 6, which annulled the results of the presidential elections in Romania, believes Romanian political analyst Cristian Pîrvulescu. The expert warned, during the “Public Space” program on Radio Moldova, that Russia could try to influence the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, using tactics similar to those applied, but unsuccessfully, in the presidential elections in Romania.
"Certainly, those who attempted this electoral coup, as seen in the Republic of Moldova, will try again in a different form. They will apply similar tactics in your parliamentary elections, and we must monitor this situation closely. Romania will continue to support Moldova, and this feeling is echoed by the European Union as a whole. There is a significant risk we need to be aware of", said Pirvulescu.
The expert suggested that new presidential elections in Romania could be held in February or March of the following year after the formation of the new Romanian Government. He emphasized the recent political developments in Romania, highlighting the necessity for state institutions to address threats from hybrid warfare and the rise of the far right seriously.
"The next Government will be legitimate and is expected to meet before Christmas if the coalition agreements work. Therefore, between Christmas and New Year, a new election date could be set, likely within 60 days from the publication of the Government's decision in the Official Gazette. This means that the electoral process will start anew, and all legal provisions will be taken into account. This time, the control of social media will be much more effective in Romania, as well as at the EU level," he explained.
Anatol Petrencu, PhD in historical sciences said that the upcoming presidential elections are likely to bring a pro-European leader to Romania, one who supports the European aspirations of the Republic of Moldova.
"What happened has put the Romanian political class under stress. I believe that voters will recognize the threats facing both the Republic of Moldova and Romania. We will overcome these challenges, and the Republic of Moldova will continue on its European path. However, we are particularly concerned about the upcoming parliamentary elections, as this will be the site of a significant political struggle. The Republic of Moldova has a parliamentary system, so it is crucial to determine who will lead and form the future Government. We must mobilize our efforts now", said Anatol Petrencu.
We remind you that on December 6, the Romanian Constitutional Court unanimously decided to annul the presidential elections. This ruling followed the declassification of secret service information that revealed the interference of a "state actor" in the campaign of candidate Călin Georgescu. As a result, the electoral process for the election of the President of Romania will be restarted, requiring candidates to re-register and go through the validation process set by the Central Electoral Bureau of Romania.
In the wake of the Constitutional Court's decision, President Klaus Iohannis announced that he would remain in office until a new president is elected. He also stated that Romania's future government will be appointed after the new Parliament is formed.
