As Moldova prepares for its parliamentary election scheduled for 28 September, the ruling pro-European Action and Solidarity Party (PAS), led by President Maia Sandu, is encountering significant challenges. These include the dissemination of disinformation, foreign interference, and hybrid threats, primarily orchestrated by the Kremlin and various parties that openly support Russia.
Numerous opposition parties are striving to unseat PAS and impede the nation’s trajectory toward EU integration. Among these is the “Alternativa” Bloc, a recently formed alliance founded in 2025 by Chișinău General Mayor Ion Ceban and 2024 presidential candidate Alexandru Stoianoglo. This alliance is projected by the polls to secure approximately 12 seats, potentially positioning itself fourth in the election results.
Notably, despite its claimed pro-European stance, the bloc has faced considerable accusations of being pro-Russian. A 2022 U.S. document specifically identified Ceban’s party, the National Alternative Movement (MAN), as one of the entities through which Russia is believed to influence Moldova’s political landscape.
On 9 July, Ion Ceban was banned from entering Romania “for reasons of national security.” This restriction extends to the entire Schengen Area.
In response, the “Alternativa” Bloc, which includes Ceban’s party, accused the Moldovan authorities of orchestrating this ban. Ceban has issued a video statement affirming his commitment to remain resilient in the face of these challenges and has accused President Maia Sandu and PAS of leveraging state institutions to hinder his political activities. As of this moment, neither the President’s administration nor PAS has provided a public response to these allegations.
Ceban’s political career began with the pro-Russian Party of Communists of the Republic of Moldova, and he was elected to parliament in 2011. In 2019, he was elected Mayor of Chișinău with support from the pro-Russian Party of Socialists. Ceban has expressed opposition to Moldova’s European integration, proposing that the country join the Customs Union as an alternative. However, during his second term as mayor, he shifted towards a pro-European rhetoric. In 2021, he established his own political party, MAN, which he currently leads.
