Moldova is in a pro-Russia mood after local polls: Moscow

Moscow [Russia], November 15: The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it sees pro-Russian political forces gaining ground in EU candidate country Moldova after the Western-oriented PAS party suffered huge losses in local elections.
The results of the November 5 elections show that there are many supporters of a foreign policy approach that includes close dialogue with Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
The polls to pick local officials in the Eastern European country, which is bordered by EU member Romania and war-torn Ukraine, were seen as a test of the public's mood going into next year's presidential contest.
President Maia Sandu, who is supported by the United States and the European Union, faces a tough battle to stay in office, analysts have said.
The Russian government shares that view.
"There are many supporters of developing cooperation with our country in Moldova, we know that," Peskov said in Moscow.
The pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), which was founded by Sandu, was a big loser in the elections to choose mayors and local administrations.
The PAS failed to win mayoral posts in all but a small handful of places, including the capital Chisinau.
While PAS was the strongest overall force in local and city council elections, it did not achieve an absolute majority anywhere and will have to form coalitions.
Commentators in Moldova spoke of a "cold shower" for Sandu's pro-European course and more confrontational stance towards Russia.
Moldova recently blocked Russian state TV and a slew of Russian media sites. The government accuses Moscow of trying to divide society to create instability as Moldova moves closer to the West.
Moldovans are frustrated by low wages - on average the monthly income is around $200 - coupled with sharply rising prices, including for energy.
In the past, pro-Russian leaders in Chisinau have benefited from Moscow offering them cheap gas deals.
Source: Qatar Tribune