MAE denounces massive, systematic interference coordinated by Russia in the elections in the Republic of Moldova

Romania will continue to invest energy and expertise to support the Republic of Moldova fulfill its European destiny, as well as strengthen its resilience in the face of interference by the Russian Federation, said the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) , which welcomes the organization at high democratic standards of the presidential election and the constitutional referendum in the neighboring country."The advance to the second round of the presidential ballot, with a solid score, of the candidate with the most authentic and deepest pro-European commitment - incumbent President Maia Sandu - as well as the result of the constitutional referendum prove, despite all challenges, the citizens' attachment to the European, democratic future of the Republic of Moldova," the Ministry said in a release on Monday.Also, the Foreign Ministry expresses its strong concern about the massive, systematic interferences coordinated by proxies of the Russian Federation, recorded ever since the pre-electoral period."These interferences of an unprecedented scope, complexity and toxicity were intended to thwart the integrity of elections, undermine democracy, spread anti-democratic and anti-European theories, and directly influence the voters by illegal means. The information exposed in the last few days by the relevant Moldovan authorities laid bare the unprecedented scale of these phenomena, backed by considerable financial resources," the cited source said.Democracy and trust in the success of the European project are built over time, through permanent and consistent efforts, the Foreign Affairs Ministry also shows."In the end, democracy, the natural aspiration for freedom, stability and prosperity will always prevail against artificially raised obstacles and hindrances. The October 20 vote of the Republic of Moldova was testament to this. Furthermore, it is the duty of all partners in the international democratic community to continue their support for the Republic of Moldova, including as regards the combat of foreign actions aimed at undermining essential democratic processes, such as the exercise of voting," the cited source added.