The President of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, Marc Cools, deplored foreign influence in the electoral process in the Republic of Moldova during its Presidential elections and referendum held on 20 October 2024. He referred to the findings of serious attempts to undermine their integrity through foreign interference and active disinformation efforts, reported by the joint PACE/OSCE/European Parliament observation mission.
“In its Recommendation 509 (2024), adopted in March, the Congress already expressed its concern about the numerous and credible reports of corruption of voters and candidates, illegal campaign and party financing and interference by foreign or criminal groups, received by the Congress delegation observing local elections in the Republic of Moldova on 5 November 2023. In September 2024, the Congress Bureau decided to prepare a report on foreign interference with local and regional electoral processes in Europe.
“I regret that the electoral process in the Republic of Moldova continues to be marred by allegations of foreign interference. The Congress remains actively engaged in the Republic of Moldova to support the efforts of local and national authorities in establishing a strong and democratic future for this longstanding member of the Council of Europe,” underlined the Congress President.
