Maia Sandu Secures Second Term in Moldovan Presidential Election, Boosting EU Aspirations

 

Maia Sandu, the pro-Western incumbent, has been declared the winner of Moldova's presidential election, securing a second term that is expected to strengthen the country’s aspirations to join the European Union and serve as a decisive rebuke to Russian influence. Preliminary results indicate that Sandu received 54.35% of the vote in a runoff election held on Sunday, with 98% of ballots counted.

The election was seen as a pivotal moment for Moldova, determining its long-term geopolitical alignment—whether with Russia or Europe. Sandu faced a significant challenge from Alexandr Stoianoglo, a political newcomer from the Socialist Party known for his ties to the Kremlin. Analysts noted that the outcome was almost assured, particularly given the strong support for Sandu from the Moldovan diaspora, which constitutes about 20% of the electorate.

In her victory speech, delivered shortly after most votes were counted, Sandu emphasized her commitment to all citizens, stating, “Today, dear Moldovans, you have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of being written in history books... Freedom, truth, and justice have prevailed.” Despite facing challenges in a recent EU integration referendum that passed by a narrow margin, Sandu's re-election will significantly advance her agenda for closer ties with Europe.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Sandu on her victory, reaffirming the EU's support for Moldova’s European future. “It takes a rare kind of strength to overcome the challenges you’ve faced in this election. I’m glad to continue working with you towards a European future for Moldova and its people,” von der Leyen stated on X.

The EU has committed to a €1.8 billion multiyear aid package to assist Moldova on its path toward EU membership, a process the country officially began in June. Sandu has set an ambitious goal to integrate Moldova into the EU by 2030.

Since gaining independence after the Soviet Union's dissolution, Moldova has oscillated between pro-Western and pro-Russian policies. Under Sandu's leadership, the nation has accelerated its efforts to diminish Moscow's influence, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

However, the election and accompanying EU referendum were marred by allegations of Russian interference, with Sandu and her allies accusing Moscow of orchestrating a vote-buying campaign. Reports suggested that Russian operatives attempted to influence the election with a substantial financial investment, while Moldova's security forces worked diligently to prevent manipulation of the voting process.

Despite these challenges, Sandu's victory is seen as a relief for neighboring Ukraine, whose President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently praised Sandu's commitment to democratic values. With Moldova's geopolitical future hanging in the balance, her re-election marks a pivotal moment in the country's ongoing struggle for sovereignty and alignment with Western institutions.