Moldova’s new president, an ardent supporter of Russia, will no doubt be looking to make some changes to his country’s foreign policy once he takes office. Socialist Party leader and President-elect Igor Dodon has long called for a re-evaluation of Chisinau’s relationships with Russia, the European Union and the breakaway territory of Transnistria, all of which could see important tactical adjustments in the months ahead. But as deeply divided as Moldovan society is, the next administration will have trouble forcing any substantial strategic shifts through, the famous U.S. platform Stratfor says in an article.

“….Statements such as these suggest that Dodon plans to shift Moldova’s allegiances away from the West and toward Russia. Actually doing so, however, will be easier said than done. Deep political and cultural divides crisscross Moldovan society, as evidenced by the protests pro-Western groups held in Chisinau in the wake of Dodon’s election.

“Moreover, Moldova is a parliamentary republic, and the EU-leaning coalition led by Prime Minister Pavel Filip still controls the legislature. He, along with several of the country’s most prominent politicians, have assured the Moldovan people that Chisinau’s path toward European integration will remain intact, in spite of Dodon’s electoral victory,” said Stratfor.