Maia Sandu’s victory amid claims of Russian interference boosts EU hopes and deals setback to Kremlin
Europe’s most powerful leaders have congratulated Moldova’s pro-western president, Maia Sandu, after she won a second term, cementing the country’s EU aspirations and dealing a setback to the Kremlin.
With nearly 98% of the vote counted in the second round of the presidential elections on Sunday, Sandu had 54% of the vote, ahead of Alexandr Stoianoglo, a Kremlin-friendly political newcomer, backed by the pro-Russia party of Socialists.
Moldovan authorities reported evidence of attempts to meddle in the electoral process before Sunday’s vote and during the first round of voting and a referendum on EU membership that was won by a wafer-thin margin two weeks earlier.
Allegations of Russian or pro-Russia interference, including cyber-attacks on polling stations, bussing in voters, vote-buying and intimidation, underscored the stakes for the small former Soviet republic that has pursued a decisively pro-western path under Sandu, seeking to join the EU.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, congratulated Sandu, saying: “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.”
In a joint statement, the commission and the EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, praised the Moldovan authorities “for the successful conduct of the election, despite unprecedented interference by Russia, including with vote-buying schemes and disinformation”, adding that “these hybrid attempts have sought to undermine the country’s democratic institutions and its EU path”.
