SHAPING MINDS THROUGH DISCOURSE: PROPAGANDA NARRATIVES IN MOLDOVA’S 2024 ELECTIONS

This study analyses the propagandistic narratives and the discursive strategies used by the pro-Russian political parties / groups in the Republic of Moldova during the week preceding the presidential elections and the referendum. The analysis focuses on the ȘOR Party, the PSRM, the PCRM, who have actively used their platforms for the dissemination of anti-European Union narratives and for the promotion of scepticism towards the pro-European government. By using content and discourse analysis, our research identifies the main rhetorical tools, and the main logical fallacies used to manipulate public perception. Building on theoretical frameworks such as the Agenda-Setting Theory and the 4Ds of disinformation, our study manages to uncover the recurrent narratives employed, as well as the efforts of these parties made to exploit the emotional vulnerabilities of their audience, thereby sowing fear, confusion, and disunion