As of: October 20, 2024 10:33 a.m
Moldova’s pro-European President Sandu wants to run for re-election today. It is also voting on whether Moldova’s accession to the EU should become a constitutional goal. Pro-Russia forces are opposing this.
An open-air concert in Moldova’s capital Chisinau. The song: “Cer Senin” – something like the EU anthem of the youth of Chisinau. The chorus says: “When they ask me where I want to go? To a blue sky with stars.” Stars in the blue sky represent the EU flag. And they don’t just want those who sing along enthusiastically.
Traditional Moldovan songs can also be heard at the city festival. And the fans surveyed also want to go to the EU. It’s about a better future for the young generation. “We are taking firm steps towards where the other people in the EU are.” “We have to tick the boxes where we say yes to the EU.” In Chisinau the signs seem to be pointing to “yes” to EU membership and also to “yes” to President Sándu. She called the referendum.
Advertising for the referendum
In the hustle and bustle of the Chisinau city festival, Adrian Cause and a few other volunteers distribute flyers. They do not speak out for or against Moldova’s EU membership; They are advertising for their compatriots to take part in the referendum.
Because a third of those eligible to vote in Moldova must vote for the result to be valid. And 51 percent yes votes are enough to anchor EU membership in Moldova’s constitution as a state goal. Adrian Cause says most people would have understood that. “I’ve spoken to a lot of people. Most of them are positive. I would say 80 percent of them want to take part in the referendum.”
rural population less pro-European
Change of location, to the south of the country, to Gagauzia. The region is autonomous; The residents are predominantly considered Russia-friendly. Instead of traditional Moldovan music: Russian-language folklore – here in Gagauzialand, an amusement park. It was financed by a Moldovan multimillionaire: Ilan Shor. The man, a convicted fraudster, lives in exile in Russia. From Moscow, with the help of the Kremlin, he spreads disinformation and stirs up sentiment against Moldova’s EU membership and against President Sandu. She wants to promote LGBTIQ, wage war against Russia, and drive up energy prices.
Republic of Moldova
A presidential election is taking place in the small Republic of Moldova, located between Romania and Ukraine. The pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu is considered the favorite. Polling stations close at 9:00 p.m. local time (8:00 p.m. CEST). The first partial results are expected during the evening. However, for an immediate election victory, Sandu would need approval of more than 50 percent, so a runoff election on November 3rd is likely.
Parallel to the office of president, a referendum will be held to decide the EU course of the country with around 2.5 million inhabitants. The question is whether the constitution should be changed to include EU accession as a goal.
Hundreds of thousands of Moldovans who live abroad – mainly in the EU – and in the breakaway Transnistria region controlled by Russia are also called to vote.
Many people in Gagauzia believe this – including Grigori Dimstrevich Stefu. He lives not far from Gagauzialand, receives a pension of 100 euros, grows vegetables, geese, chickens and sheep; Heating either with wood or sheep dung – if possible, not with gas. “The gas is too expensive; I don’t know what will happen to gas prices. If we elect the right president, he will discuss this directly with Putin. We love Russia.”
In Moldova’s rural areas the mood is far less pro-European than in the capital. The outcome of the referendum is far from certain – just like the re-election of President Maya Sandu.
Björn Blaschke, ARD Moscow, currently Chișinău/Moldova, tagesschau, October 20, 2024 12:07 p.m
