CHISINAU, Jan 31 (Reuters) - Moldovan opposition leader Alexandr Stoianoglo, who lost in a presidential vote in November, announced his leadership of a coalition comprising three parties to challenge the ruling pro-Western majority in this year's parliamentary election.
Having nearly unseated pro-Western President Maia Sandu last year, Stoianoglo campaigned for a balanced foreign policy that includes relations with both Russia and the West. He was supported by the pro-Moscow socialist party.
The upcoming parliamentary election, which is anticipated to be tightly contested, could potentially diminish the number of seats held by Sandu's pro-Western PAS party.
Situated between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is a geopolitical battleground torn between Russia and the West, with a Romanian-speaking majority and a significant Russian-speaking minority. Sandu's government aims to guide the country into the European Union by 2030.
During a press briefing in Chisinau, Stoianoglo emphasized that the foremost focus of his coalition, named Alternative," is "the consolidation of Moldovan society, aiming to avoid dividing people along lines of nationality or other distinctions.
The "Alternative" coalition will unite Chisinau mayor Ion Ceban's party, former prime minister Ion Chicu's party, and former lawmaker Marc Tcaciuc's party.
Ceban, echoing Stoianoglo's sentiments, expressed the urgency to restore Moldova's citizens' trust in reforms, European integration, and competent governance.
Critics of Sandu and her PAS party frequently accuse them of inefficiency and disregarding public interests, while Sandu's government contends that opponents seek to undermine the country's EU aspirations.
In an effort to clarify their stance, Ceban affirmed, We support European integration as Moldova's primary objective... Our focus should be on meeting the needs of the people.
The relationship between Chisinau and Moscow soured after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Last year, the Moldovan government alleged Russian interference in its presidential election and a concurrently held referendum on joining the EU, a claim denied by Moscow.
Recent tensions between Moscow and Chisinau arose over a power station in Moldova’s Transdniestria region, currently at odds due to gas supply disruptions affecting thousands. Russia, denying any interference, blames Moldova and Ukraine for the impasse.