Moldova's election face-off: Sandu dubs rival 'Trojan horse'
During the debate before the second round of the presidential elections in Moldova, Maia Sandu, who is seeking re-election, called Alexandr Stoianoglo a "Trojan horse." Sandu's political opponent, on the other hand, argued that the incumbent president should "admit her mistakes." The second round of elections is scheduled for 3 November.
On the eve of the second round of presidential elections in Moldova, the incumbent president Maia Sandu and her rival Alexandr Stoianoglo faced off in a debate, exchanging strong words.
During the Sunday meeting preceding the scheduled second round of elections on 3 November, Maia Sandu referred to her opponent as Russia's "Trojan horse."
We know who is hiding behind the 'Trojan horse' [of Moscow]. It's a debate about two alternatives for Moldova: stagnation or development, stability against instability — Sandu emphasised at the beginning of the discussion.
In response, Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former general prosecutor from the autonomous region of Gagauzia, supported by pro-Russian socialists, criticised Sandu's past governance. He stated that during her first term, the president and government "did nothing," and Sandu herself should "admit her mistakes."
Stoianoglo also assured that his programme focuses on economic development, modernisation of the country, the return of migrant workers, and maintaining good relations "with all partners," including Ukraine, Russia, and China.
I am a supporter of Moldova's European course and am ready to put this in writing – declared Stoianoglo, explaining at the same time that he boycotted the EU referendum because, in his view, it served "Sandu's political goals."
Sandu performed better
Sandu also tried to demonstrate that the centrist narrative promoted by her rival – assuming good relations with everyone, including the Kremlin – is doomed to failure, partly because of his being perceived by Ukraine as "Moscow's hand."
Meanwhile, Stoianoglo attempted to portray himself as a pro-European politician, while depicting Sandu as ineffective, incompetent, and not caring about minority rights, which – he argued – is contrary to European practices.
The candidates repeated arguments already familiar to Moldovans, but Sandu performed better in terms of charisma and confidence.
The debate was conducted mainly in Romanian, where Stoianoglo felt less confident. Only a small part of the discussion took place in Russian, where Sandu was less proficient.
Presidential elections in Moldova
In the first round of elections, held on 20 October, Maia Sandu received 42.49% of the votes, while Alexandr Stoianoglo gained 26.95% of the votes.
Alongside the presidential elections, a referendum on including euro integration in the constitution took place. According to preliminary results provided by the Central Election Commission, 50.35% of voters supported this solution. Earlier polls indicated support at the level of 55%, without considering the diaspora's votes, which could have increased this result to over 60%.
Analysts cited by the Polish Press Agency point to the intensifying disinformation campaign by Russia and its allies. They also highlight the unprecedented scale of interference in the election process through voter bribery and direct influence on its course.
Such actions pose a serious threat in the context of the upcoming second round of presidential elections and next year's parliamentary elections in Moldova.
