Reps. Mike Lawler of New York and Deborah Ross of North Carolina, who serve as Co-Chairs of the Moldova Caucus, have issued a statement expressing concern about Russian interference in Moldova’s upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28.
In their joint statement, the lawmakers said:
“We express our deep concern over continued efforts by Russia to undermine Moldova’s democracy and rig Moldova’s upcoming parliamentary elections on September 28th. Vladimir Putin must not be allowed to unduly influence election results through influence operations.
During Moldova’s 2024 presidential election, Russia spent €100 million to undermine the electoral process and dissuade Moldovans from supporting closer ties with the EU. Moldovan authorities also uncovered a large-scale voter fraud scheme where $50 million was transferred to 130,000 Moldovans as part of a voter bribery operation over the past two months alone.
Russia’s efforts to install a puppet government in Chisinau would turn the country into Russia’s geopolitical foothold behind Ukraine’s back, negatively impact regional security and stability along Ukraine’s borders, and create a hotbed of tensions in the region.
As Co-Chairs of the House Moldova Caucus and stalwart supporters of the transatlantic alliance, EU cohesion, and Moldova’s democratic journey, we support efforts to combat Russian malign influence targeting Moldovan elections. Russia’s hybrid war against Moldova cannot be tolerated.”
Rep. Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District north of New York City, covering Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He has been recognized as one of Congress’s most bipartisan members and was rated as the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress.
