Moldova's Central Election Commission (CEC) confirmed opposition parties have overtaken the pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) in parliamentary elections, following the processing of 100% of votes by early September 29th, 2025. This outcome, reported by TASS, marks a shift from earlier projections that favored PAS securing a parliamentary majority, and follows protests organized by the "Patriotic Bloc" at the CEC. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker congratulated Maia Sandu and her party on September 29th, stating "The people of Moldova have once again defeated Kremlin attacks on their electoral system and chosen freedom." Over 52% of eligible voters participated in the September 28th, 2025 elections, according to the CEC. Earlier in the reporting window, preliminary results had shown PAS leading, with projections suggesting it could secure a majority. However, the "Patriotic Bloc," led by Igor Dodon, was closely trailing. Dodon had urged "special attentiveness" during the vote count and asserted PAS had lost, leading to demonstrations by his supporters at the CEC. Protests by the Shor party were also reported at the Moldova Foreign Ministry building. Separately, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov stated on September 29th, 2025, that French intelligence services had requested Telegram censor certain Moldovan channels ahead of the elections, a request Durov claimed Telegram refused, citing a commitment to freedom of speech. Durov also alleged the request was made in exchange for French intelligence speaking favorably about him to a judge who had ordered his arrest in August of the previous year.
