You might have missed it, but one of the fiercest political battles in Europe took place on Sunday, October 20th, in the small country of Moldova. A referendum was held to decide whether the constitution should be amended to express a commitment to European integration. The vote was heavily influenced by both internal and external campaigns, with signs of interference as different groups pushed citizens to choose between aligning with the East or the West.
In a dramatic turn of events, Moldova’s referendum on modifying the constitution to align more closely with European standards concluded with a narrow victory for the “Yes” vote. It was only after counting 97% of votes, that the “Yes” camp started winning, securing 50.38%, with a difference of only 11,400 votes between the “Yes” and “No” camps (emphasizing once again, that every single vote does count!). The referendum met the required 33.33% voter turnout threshold, signaling just above half the country’s desire for closer ties with Europe. However, the results also revealed deep divisions, both within Moldova and among Moldovans abroad.
A Mix of Pride and Frustration
Last Week in Denmark caught up with Olesea Gadirca, a Copenhagen-based lawyer and voting station Chairperson, expressing mixed emotions about the referendum results. “As the Chairperson of the voting station in Copenhagen, I feel a mix of pride and frustration. On one hand, I am proud that the Moldovan diaspora, particularly here in Denmark, overwhelmingly voted Yes for European integration, with 1032 out of 1177 voters (87.7%) expressing their desire for a future aligned with European values. This clearly reflects the diaspora’s vision and hope for Moldova’s development and alignment with European values.”
However, Gadirca shared her disappointment with the outcome in Moldova, noting the influence of disinformation and corruption: “I am deeply frustrated by the outcome in Moldova, where many citizens were influenced by disinformation and corruption to vote ‘No.’ This vote was not just a political decision – it was about the future of our country. To see this manipulation, often driven by pro-Russian interests, undermining our democratic process is alarming.”
Gadirca was also shocked by the “No” votes from some Moldovans living in Denmark who already experience the benefits of European life. “It’s hard to understand how they can reject for Moldova the very opportunities they experience firsthand here.”
Moldovan Population in Denmark and Political Engagement
Despite the relatively small size of the Moldovan community in Denmark – estimated to be in the low thousands – Gadirca believes this does not diminish their ability to engage in political discussions or advocate for Moldova’s interests. “The diaspora here is highly informed, motivated, and connected. We actively participate in discussions about Moldova’s future, and our engagement is an asset both here in Denmark and for our influence back home.”
Through events, social networks, and collaborations with non-profit organizations, the Moldovan diaspora in Denmark plays a significant role in promoting democratic values, transparency, and progress.
Concerns About European Integration
Reflecting on the concerns of Moldovans at home, particularly in regions that voted against the constitutional changes, Gadirca explained that many Moldovans who voted against the constitutional change feared that joining the European Union could introduce harmful changes to their country. They were concerned about a potential loss of national identity, theft of children and land, and fearing that foreign values, perceived as different from traditional Moldovan norms, would be imposed on them.
Misinformation campaigns have been a major factor in amplifying these fears. However, Gadirca believes the diaspora can play a crucial role in addressing these concerns. “The diaspora can bridge the gap by sharing accurate information, fostering open dialogues, and highlighting the tangible benefits of European integration. We need to start even with our families back home, sharing success stories and offering support.”
A Divided but Hopeful Future
This referendum has highlighted the divisions within Moldova, particularly on its path to European integration. Gadirca recognizes that there is still much work to be done. “This referendum has shown how divided Moldova remains. While the diaspora stands firmly in favor of this future, our work is far from over. We need to continue building bridges between those at home and abroad, ensuring that accurate information reaches all Moldovans, and that the country can make informed, democratic decisions.”
Ultimately, Gadirca stresses the importance of collaboration between the citizens of Moldova and the diaspora: “The future of Moldova depends on both its citizens at home and the diaspora working together towards a common vision of progress and unity.”
