Moldova elections 2025: PAS expands with public figures
Wrestler Anastasia Nichita, rector of the Nicolae Testemițanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy Emil Ceban, and footballer Maxim Potârnice will run in the upcoming autumn parliamentary elections on the ticket of the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS).
The announcement was made on July 7 by PAS president Igor Grosu during a press conference.
According to Grosu, the decision of these three public figures to join the governing team highlights the seriousness of the current moment and the importance of the September 28 elections.
“Each of us has our own career and responsibilities, but when circumstances demand it—and now is, without a doubt, a pivotal and historic moment for the Republic of Moldova—you’ve made a courageous decision, one that matters not only to you, but to society as a whole,” Grosu said.
Emil Ceban expressed his strong support for Moldova’s European path.
“We all want change for the better, and that change begins with each of us. Choosing to support Moldova’s European path is a strategic and well-founded decision. It reflects my personal commitment to a prosperous future for our country and especially to the fields of education, medical research, and the national healthcare system. I firmly believe that Moldova can truly progress only as part of the greater European family,” said Ceban.
Olympic silver medalist and multiple-time European and world champion Anastasia Nichita said her decision to enter politics was motivated by a desire to actively contribute to the development of sports in Moldova.
“Moldova needs consistency and a faster pace in everything related to sports. And who better understands the real needs of athletes, young people, parents, and coaches than an athlete who has experienced every step of that journey? I may not have political experience, but I know the challenges faced by every young athlete in our country. I’ve spent years in training camps and I know what European-level infrastructure should look like. In the coming years, I want us to have those same conditions here at home. I will bring my experience, my support, and wholehearted dedication to ensure that Moldovan sport can thrive,” she said.
Footballer Maxim Potârnice also spoke about his motivation to enter politics, expressing his readiness to face the demands of public service.
“When it comes to civic activism, I’m ready to put everything aside and run in the September 28 parliamentary elections on the PAS ticket. I’m ready to put myself in the public eye. I’m ready to be transparent about my income and expenses. I’m ready to accept criticism. I’m ready to handle pressure. I’m ready to talk to people. I’m ready to listen—and most importantly, I’m ready to truly hear. (...) I wasn’t born a politician. I never dreamed of joining Parliament, I didn’t study to become a lawmaker. But in recent years, it has become impossible to watch calmly as lies, misinformation, and mediocrity are poisoning people’s minds—even from the Parliament’s rostrum,” said Potârnice.
Earlier, on June 16, PAS leader and President of Parliament Igor Grosu presented the party’s first four candidates for the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 28, 2024. These are conductor Nicolae Botgros, entrepreneur Maria Acbaș from the Gagauz Autonomous Region, writer and publicist Constantin Cheianu, and former Minister of Labor and Social Protection Marcel Spatari.
On June 23, three more candidates were announced: Viorel Bostan, rector of the Technical University of Moldova; Iurie Cojocari, president of the Moldovan community in the United Kingdom; and Ludmila Adamciuc, founder of the association “My Friend,” which supports women in vulnerable situations.
On July 3, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Nicu Popescu also joined the PAS team for the elections. He made the announcement on social media, calling it “a natural step” toward strengthening Moldova’s European future.
According to political analysts, PAS’s strategy of bringing public figures from various fields onto its electoral list is a calculated move aimed at broadening its electoral base by attracting candidates with strong public credibility and visibility.
The next parliamentary elections are scheduled for September 28, 2024.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
