Moldova: Europe relieved after the re-election of Maia Sandu

Moldova’s Western allies on Monday welcomed the re-election of pro-European President Maia Sandu. In the deeply divided former Soviet republic, his victory was decried by the pro-Russians.

After a tense campaign clouded by suspicions of Russian interference, Maia Sandu, 52, won the runoff election with 55.33% of the vote, according to full results. His opponent supported by the pro-Russian socialists, Alexandr Stoianoglo, won 44.67% of the vote.

“Maia Sandu is an illegitimate president, recognized only by her supporters abroad”, “the president of the diaspora”, reacted the party close to Moscow. “The Moldovan people feel betrayed and robbed,” he added, citing “irregularities” and “the unjustified reduction” in the number of polling stations in Russia.

After a tense campaign, this outcome is a relief for the European Union, which officially opened accession negotiations with the small country of 2.6 million inhabitants in June. Especially since the referendum of October 20, aimed at including the European objective in the Constitution, almost came to an end. It was ultimately approved narrowly.

“The Moldovans have once again shown their determination to build a European future despite hybrid attempts to undermine democracy,” reacted the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, on the social network Paris and Berlin delivered similar messages.

For neighboring Ukraine, also a candidate for the EU, the Moldovans have made “a clear choice”, declared its president Volodymyr Zelensky, calling for “a peaceful and united Europe”.

Moscow accuses the West of interference

US President Joe Biden welcomed the re-election of Maia Sandu in Moldova, saying that Russia’s efforts to obstruct the election had been “defeated”. He also welcomed the fact that “the Moldovan people have chosen to follow a path aligned with Europe and democracies around the world.” The Kremlin, which “categorically” denies the allegations of interference, had not yet reacted.

The first woman to occupy, in 2020, the highest positions in this state located between NATO and the Russian sphere of influence, Maia Sandu spoke of “a lesson in democracy” in the face of “an unprecedented attack” from “hostile forces and criminal.” Disinformation, massive vote buying, death threats, cyberattacks and “organized transportation” of voters: the police have reported in recent weeks numerous alleged “attempts to destabilize” Moscow.

In her speech Sunday evening, the former World Bank economist reached out to those who did not choose her, even speaking in Russian alongside Romanian, the official language. She promised to be “the president of all.” “The fight for democracy continues in Moldova and across the region,” launched Maia Sandu on the social network X.