2,961,250 people
Source: Tyranny Tracker
HRF classifies Moldova as democratic.
Moldova is a unitary parliamentary republic in which executive authority is exercised primarily by a government led by the prime minister, while the president serves as head of state with constitutionally defined powers that can influence the national agenda. Legislative authority is vested in the unicameral 101-member Parliament, elected for four-year terms through nationwide proportional representation. Since independence in 1991, power has alternated between pro-European reformist coalitions and governments favoring closer ties with Russia, while the current leadership is firmly oriented toward European integration, with EU candidate status granted in 2022 and accession negotiations opened in 2024. Part of Moldova’s internationally recognized territory, the breakaway region of Transnistria, remains outside central government control and operates as a de facto entity supported by Russia, including through a continued military presence. Additionally, Russia continues to exert coercive influence on Moldova, with credible allegations and reports describing hybrid interference activities, such as disinformation campaigns and attempts to influence elections, posing ongoing security risks. Despite these concerns, following the 28 September 2025 parliamentary election, the pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity retained a governing majority and formed the Munteanu Cabinet, with Alexandru Munteanu taking office as prime minister on 1 November 2025 alongside President Maia Sandu.
Elections are largely free and fair, offering a broad range of political alternatives and respecting fundamental democratic freedoms. Although certain candidates and parties, particularly those linked to credible reports of Russian interference, have recently been excluded or deregistered, these measures have been selective rather than blanket and have occurred in the context of documented security concerns. Similarly, fundamental freedoms essential to campaigning have generally been respected, and registered contestants have been able to campaign throughout the country.
Independent media, political leaders, civil society organizations, and individuals are largely free to openly criticize or challenge the government. The country maintains a large and active civil society and a pluralistic media environment, and the incumbent authorities have generally respected freedoms of association and expression. Similarly, the right to peaceful assembly has largely been upheld, with protests taking place without systematic obstruction or undue interference.
Institutions are independent and largely serve as effective checks on the governing authority. The incumbent government has introduced measures aimed at reducing political influence and corruption within state institutions, most notably the judiciary. Still, the longstanding structural weaknesses of key institutions and a legacy of state capture continue to render judicial independence fragile in practice. Additionally, the government has taken steps to strengthen accountability for high-level corruption, including by pursuing major prosecutions, although these efforts take place against a longstanding practice in which powerful officials were often able to evade accountability for extended periods.
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