On Monday 4 November, European leaders congratulated Maia Sandu on her re-election as President of Moldova. The pro-European candidate won by 55.41% of the vote against the pro-Russian Alexandr Stoianoglo thanks to votes from the diaspora.
In a joint statement, the High Representative of the Union, Josep Borrell, and the Commission congratulated the authorities “for the successful conduct of the election, despite unprecedented interference by Russia, including with vote-buying schemes and disinformation”, hybrid attempts which “have sought to undermine the country’s democratic institutions and its EU path” (see EUROPE 13508/1, 13509/19). Mr Borrell and the Commission promised that the EU will continue to work with the President and the authorities to promote further reforms and enhance the country’s stability and prosperity on its EU path.
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, said that Moldovans had reaffirmed their trust in “[Ms Sandu’s] leadership, stability and commitment to a European future”.
As for the European Parliament, its President, Roberta Metsola, spoke to the re-elected President on the telephone on Monday, inviting her to the European Parliament. “Her leadership defines Moldova’s European future, the future of hope overcoming fear”, she wrote on X.
In a statement sent to Agence Europe, the Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister, said that the Moldovans “have sent a clear signal for democracy, self-determination and a Western orientation of their country. Even though Moldova continues to face major internal political challenges such as the fight against corruption, President Sandu’s impressive track record in crisis management has been rewarded”, he added.
According to the Chair of the European Parliament’s delegation to the EU-Moldova Parliamentary Association Committee, Siegfried Mureșan, “the election result is also a victory for the (Moldovan) people, who have once again demonstrated that they want a European future, where the benefits of the EU are felt in everyone’s lives and homes”. He added that “the pro-European victory in the presidential elections and the positive outcome of the referendum make the Republic of Moldova a stronger state, better prepared for the accession process”. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)