Moldova’s current President, Maia Sandu, won re-election, defeating her opponent Alexandr Stoianoglo with 55.4% of the vote compared to Stoianoglo’s 44.6%, Sandu wrote on X on November 4.
Sandu’s win is seen as a big success for those who want Moldova to become closer to the European Union.
“We showed that by working together, we can overcome those who try to bring us down,” Sandu said early on November 4 to her supporters in Moldova’s capital, Chisinau.
Sandu’s pro-European approach faces strong opposition not only from local political rivals but also from Russia, which she claims is working to draw Moldova back into its influence.
She accused Russia of trying to interfere in the election to keep Moldova away from the European Union, calling it a “fraud of unprecedented proportions.”
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Sandu, writing, “Ukraine supports the European choice of the Moldovan people and is ready to work together to strengthen our partnership.”
“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.
In an initial round of voting on October 20, no candidate secured the majority of votes, leading to the second round of the elections between current President Sandu and pro-Russian candidate Stoianoglo.
At the same time, a close referendum vote passed, supporting Moldova’s goal of joining the EU, but it only won by 11,000 votes.
Looking back on the difficult campaign, Sandu said, “We fought fairly in an unfair fight—and we won. But the fight isn’t over yet.”
Earlier, the head of Moldova’s police stated that around $40 million had reportedly been sent from Russia to Moldova to influence voters during the election.
