As the parliamentary elections in Moldova approach, scheduled for 28 September, the Kremlin is intensifying efforts to bolster pro-Russian parties in a bid to regain influence. Since 1992, pro-Russian forces have maintained control over Transdnistria, a landlocked area in eastern Moldova that remains internationally recognised as part of Moldova. In this region, they have established the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (PMR), which is only recognised by other unrecognised territories such as Abkhazia and South Ossetia, both of which are occupied by Russian forces. On 9 October 2024, the European Parliament passed a resolution strongly condemning Russia’s ongoing efforts to disrupt Moldova’s pro-European trajectory. Threat 5: Emergence of an authoritarian regimeEducation Minister Dan Perciun noted that if pro-Russian parties prevail in the parliamentary elections, Moldova risks forfeiting its freedoms and democratic values.