MOSCOW

Four Moldovan opposition parties have agreed to form an electoral bloc that will oppose pro-Western parties in the September parliamentary elections, their leaders announced on Tuesday.

The leaders of the Moldovan Party of Socialists, the Communist Party, and the parties "Future of Moldova" and "Heart of Moldova," Igor Dodon, Vladimir Voronin, Vasile Tarlev, and Irina Vlah, respectively, addressed a joint briefing in Chisinau.

"We have agreed on forming an electoral bloc. We are going to register it with the Central Election Commission, the parties need to hold congresses and adopt constituent documents," Dodon said.

According to him, the bloc will "protect Moldovan identity and Christian faith, neutrality and sovereignty."

"In foreign policy, we advocate for balanced partnership with all countries and restoring relations with the Russian Federation. The entire foreign policy and orientations of the current authorities must be reconsidered and aligned with the national interests of Moldova," Dodon added.

The new bloc is expected to choose its name and undergo registration at the Central Election Commission. According to Dodon, the united opposition can find support of some 50% of voters.

“If we manage to gain their support, we have a real chance to obtain a parliamentary majority and form a government,” he said.

Understanding between Russia and Moldova began to deteriorate after the rise to power of pro-European forces in Moldova in 2021. In 2023, dozens of Russian diplomats were expelled from the former Soviet republic.

According to opinion polls, the ruling Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) will not be able to retain a majority in parliament, and the future government will be coalition-based. Among PAS opponents in the parliament may include the pro-European Alternative bloc as well as Our Party.