The Romanian presidential elections of 2024-2025 marked a turning point in the country’s post-communist political trajectory, given their annulment and rerun as well as the ideological polarization they revealed. Central to the electoral discourse was the Republic of Moldova, whose EU candidacy and strategic relevance were instrumentalized by candidates across the political spectrum. This article explores how Moldova emerged as a theme in Romanian political messaging, while examining the interplay between historical sentiment, identity politics, and foreign policy narratives. Through a discourse analysis of campaign materials, speeches, and electoral data, the study tests three hypotheses: that Moldova’s EU trajectory shaped pro-European messaging; that nationalist candidates used Moldova as a symbolic issue to mobilize support; and that Moldovan citizens with Romanian dual citizenship significantly influenced the electoral outcome. The findings confirm that Moldova was framed either as a strategic partner or a nationalist cause, depending on ideological orientation. Candidates such as Nicușor Dan emphasized pragmatic cooperation and democratic resilience, while George Simion and other nationalists invoked themes of reunification and cultural erasure. The article also highlights Romania’s concrete contributions to Moldova’s EU integration, including financial aid, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic support. Ultimately, the study reveals Moldova’s dual role as both a foreign policy concern and a domestic electoral tool, reflecting tensions in Romania’s regional positioning amid rising populism and hybrid threats.
Adrian-Gabriel Corpadean (Mon,) studied this question.