Maia Sandu secures victory amid foreign interference claims
Since Sunday evening, as more votes were counted in the second round of the presidential elections in Moldova, congratulations have been appearing online for the winner - the incumbent president, Maia Sandu. Politicians are writing about "exceptional strength", "overcoming challenges", and the determination of the Moldovan citizens themselves.
4 November 2024 15:49
According to data from 99.77% of the electoral commissions, the incumbent president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, won in the second round of the presidential elections, securing 55.37% of the vote. Her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, received 44.63%, reported the Central Electoral Commission in Chișinău.
Many politicians, including heads of state and leaders of EU institutions, were quick to offer congratulations and expressed satisfaction with the outcome online.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, congratulated Sandu just after midnight and posted a shared photo. "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," wrote von der Leyen on X.
In her post, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, conveyed that Maia Sandu "has shown exceptional courage and leadership." As she noted, in the previous term, the President of Moldova "led the charge for democracy, rule of law & a European future. "Europe will keep standing with Moldova on this journey," added Metsola.
"Congratulations to @sandumaiamd on winning the presidential election in Moldova. Ukraine supports the European choice of the Moldovan people and stands ready to work together to strengthen our partnership," wrote Volodymyr Zelensky on X Monday morning.
"Moldovans have made a clear choice—they chose a path toward economic growth and social stability. Only true security and a peaceful, united Europe can guarantee each person and every family the confidence to face tomorrow with hope and certainty," added the Ukrainian president.
While offering congratulations, the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, also emphasised that "the people of Moldova have reaffirmed their trust in your leadership, stability, and commitment to a European future."
Apart from his congratulations, the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, wrote: "Moldovans have shown once again their determination to build a European future despite hybrid attempts to undermine democracy."
