before the presidential election, Emmanuel Macron affirms that “the path of Europe is that of freedom” to Moldovans

In a message addressed to the Moldovans who are electing their president on Sunday, Emmanuel Macron affirmed that “the path of Europe is that of freedom and democracy”Friday 1^is November, on

“In this decisive moment for Moldova and with it, for our Europe, I want to send Moldovan citizens a message of courage and hope. Europe's path is that of freedom and democracy, the foundations of a shared future. United we are stronger »he wrote on the social network.

Maia Sandu, a 52-year-old former economist who has become a leading European personality, came first in the first round with 42.49%, ahead of Alexandru Stoianoglo (25.95%) who is counting on the carryover of votes from several small candidates. They cite in particular the risk of being drawn into an armed conflict with Moscow and suffering the same fate as Ukraine, bordering Moldova, which has 2.6 million inhabitants.

A referendum on the European Union (EU) was held in mid-October and was narrowly won by the pro-European camp (50.35%). The vote was marred by irregularities and disinformation, Russia is accused of interference in the electoral process, which the Kremlin ardently defends.

Moldova, one of the poorest countries in Europe, began negotiations to join the EU in 2024 after obtaining candidate status alongside Ukraine in 2022.^me Sandu has pledged to reform the country's judicial system and support the economy so that it joins the EU by 2030. But Russia, which has a powerful lever of pressure with its gas supplies and numerous relays in the political world, strives to keep in its “sphere of influence” this country located between Ukraine, at war, and Romania, member of the EU and NATO.