The Disinformation Warning Coming From the Edge of Europe
WiredOct 18
Moldova Narrowly Backs Joining EU Amid Foreign Interference Claims
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Above: Voters cast ballots for the Moldovan presidential election and referendum on joining the EU in Chisinau on Oct. 20, 2024. Image copyright: Daniel Mihailescu/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
With nearly all votes counted on Monday, electoral authorities in Moldova said a slim majority of the nation backed a path towards EU membership — with 50.39% of votes counted in favor, while 49.61% were against.
However, the non-binding referendum in the nation of 2.5M people — which has emerged as a battleground for Russian and Western influence — was beset by allegations of foreign interference on both sides.
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
The Kremlin observed a number of irregularities in these votes, including mechanical increases in vote tallies. Despite these and other measures carried out to repress opposition groups, it's significant that a majority of people still didn't back Sandu and the referendum passed by a razor-thin margin.
Pro-establishment narrative
There may be some disappointment from Sandu's supporters and her EU allies, but they shouldn't overlook that in the face of unprecedented levels of Russian interference, she and the EU referendum prevailed. Moldovans want to be part of the EU and that goal will be enshrined in the country's constitution.
