Leaders congratulate Sandu on victory in Moldova’s presidential elections
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has congratulated Maia Sandu on her victory in the run-off in Moldova’s presidential elections.
According to Moldova’s electoral commission, with 99.86 per cent of votes counted, Sandu had 55.41 per cent in the November 3 run-off vote, defeating socialist pro-Russian candidate Alexandr Stoianoglo, who had 44.59 per cent.
Von der Leyen told Sandu, the pro-Western candidate whose victory gains her a second term in office: “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”.
On election night, as results came in, Sandu said: “Moldova, today you are victorious.
“Together, we’ve shown the strength of our unity, democracy, and commitment to a dignified future. Thank you, dear Moldovans, at home and abroad. Walk with pride—you are freedom, hope, and resilience. I am proud to serve you all,” she said.
Sandu’s victory came two weeks after Moldovans voted in the first round of presidential elections and a referendum on committing the country to continuing to seek European Union membership.
That vote, marred by strenuous attempts by Russia to interfere, produced a narrow 50.35 per victory in favour of continuing on the path to EU membership.
In the November 3 run-off, preliminary results showed that not only had residents of Moldova’s capital city Chisinau voted by a wide margin for Sandu, but so had Moldovans abroad, the latter by about 83 to 17 per cent.
In Bulgaria, the chairperson of the 50th National Assembly’s foreign policy committee, centre-right GERB-UDF coalition leader Boiko Borissov, said: “Congratulations for your victory in the presidential elections in Moldova. Moldova belongs to Europe. We will continue our support on your path to the EU”.
(Photo via Von der Leyen’s page on X)
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