Moldova’s Pro-EU President Maia Sandu Wins Second Term

Moldova’s pro-European President Maia Sandu has secured a second term after a tense election run-off that was viewed as a choice between closer ties to Europe and Russia. With most preliminary results counted, Sandu led with nearly 55% of the vote.

In a late-night speech, Sandu promised to be a president for all Moldovans. Her rival, Alexandr Stoianoglo, backed by the pro-Russian Party of Socialists, had campaigned for a closer relationship with Moscow.

During the election, Sandu’s national security adviser reported “massive interference” from Russia, which could distort the election’s outcome. Russia has denied any meddling, following a similar situation in Georgia, where the president claimed there was a “Russian special operation.”

Stoianoglo, who was previously fired as prosecutor general by Sandu, has denied being pro-Kremlin. As the polls closed, both candidates thanked voters, with Stoianoglo speaking in both Russian and Romanian. Although Romanian is Moldova’s official language, Russian is widely used due to the country’s Soviet past.