Moldova Between West and East: The Return of the "Russian Left"?

Abstract

Moldova has long been torn between competing (pro-EU or pro-Russian) geopolitical projects, whose polarization has increased in the context of the Russo-Ukraine war. Against this background, Moldova's so-called "Left" represents a genuine threat to its stability. The Moldovan Left has been a "Russian Left" in terms of its geopolitical and cultural preferences, as well as real or suspected links with the Russian state, even if the Russo-Ukrainian war has caused pro-Russian actors to obfuscate and ostensibly moderate their positions with the emergence of a "Pro-EU Left". The effects of Moldova's 2024 presidential elections and the upcom- ing 2025 parliamentary elections will show whether the "Russian Left" and the nascent "Pro-EU Left" aim to compete or coalesce, and will weaken or unseat the pro-EU Sandu/Recean administration.