New Strategy Center publishes an analysis of the results of the local elections in the Republic of Moldova, which took place on November 5, and the impact they may have on the country’s political future.

This year’s local elections had high stakes, representing the country’s first electoral test ahead of the 2024 presidential and 2025 parliamentary elections. Maia Sandu’s ruling Action and Solidarity party remains the most important pro-European party, polling well in most of the country’s councils despite being eroded by governing in very difficult times. But PAS has failed to win any mayoral seats in major cities, including the capital Chisinau.

This result was influenced by the difficult economic situation generated by the war in Ukraine, but more importantly by large-scale hybrid actions organized by Russia to destabilize Moldova and compromise the country’s European course.