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A recent referendum in Moldova saw a narrow victory for plans to enshrine EU membership in the constitution, surprising many after polls indicated a clear win for pro-Russian sentiments. The Moldovan government and EU officials attributed the unexpected results to significant Russian interference, including financial schemes designed to sway voters. Authorities uncovered a plan where funds were funneled from a fugitive Moldovan businessman in Russia to bribe voters against the pro-Europe agenda, suggesting that nearly 130,000 voters might have been compromised. This electoral struggle comes as Moldova's pro-European president, Maya Sandu, faces a run-off election amid increased Russian presence and influence in the region, particularly from the breakaway state of Transnistria.