section_path: Campaign
section_name: Campaign
paragraph_text: Campaign
  
  According to Moldova’s intelligence chief, Alexandru Musteata, the election is expected to face significant interference from Russia. He warned that Moscow is likely to employ the tactics used during the 2024 presidential election and the EU referendum, including disinformation campaigns, financial support for pro-Russian parties, and other covert efforts to destabilize Moldova’s democratic process. The Moldovan government has expressed its determination to counter these threats.
  
  Moldovan opposition leader Alexandr Stoianoglo, who lost the 2024 presidential election to President Maia Sandu, announced the formation of a new coalition to challenge the pro-Western ruling majority. The coalition, called Alternative, unites three political parties led by Chisinau Mayor Ion Ceban, former Prime Minister Ion Chicu, and former lawmaker Mark Tkachuk.
  
  While Stoianoglo campaigns on a foreign policy that includes both Russia and the West, he has leaned toward Russia, with his past presidential candidacy backed by the pro-Moscow PSRM. Meanwhile, tensions between Moldova and Russia remain high, with accusations of Russia attempting to interfere in past elections and of worsening Moldova's energy crisis.