President Maia Sandu, addressing a population long battered by oligarchy and corruption narratives, won re-election on an anti-corruption, pro-European agenda. Her victory says a lot about the country’s deep desire to break free from Russia’s stranglehold. Sandu’s Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) won 50.03% of the votes in last month’s early parliamentary elections. That impressive showing could allow them to take as many as 55 of the 101 seats in parliament. This election result has major repercussions for Moldova’s domestic political scene and meaningful ramifications for its trajectory with the EU as well.
Sandu first came to national attention in 2020, when she won election as president on a strong anti-corruption platform. Yet her presidency has been a bedrock for European integration. Last October, Moldovans went to the polls in a referendum and overwhelmingly voted to enshrine EU membership as a constitutional objective – despite turnout excluding the vote from being considered valid. This referendum focused the world’s attention on Sandu’s dream of making Moldova an integral part of Europe. She has repeatedly delivered this vision over the course of her tenure.
In her victory speech, Sandu called upon opposition parties to join her in a peaceful protest outside parliament on September 29, signaling her intent to unite the country under a common goal. She emphasized the significance of the election results by stating, “You made your choice clear: Europe. Democracy. Freedom. Our door is open. And we will stand with you every step of the way.”
Sandu’s government has already crumbled on its biggest test — the issue of foreign meddling. Unprecedented underhand tactics by Russia to influence voter opinion in Moldova, she claimed. Stanislav Secrieru, her national adviser, echoed these concerns on social media platform X, stating that Moldovans were voting “under massive pressure from Russia and its proxies.” This claim mirrors the current geopolitical animosities within the region. Russia has long sought to keep a tight rein on its influence over the former Soviet states.
International reactions to the election results have so far praised Moldova’s dedication to democratic principles. European Council President Charles Michel echoed that sentiment, saying, “The people of the Republic of Moldova have chosen their future. They resisted against intimidation, interference and pressure.” Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed admiration for Moldovan voters’ resilience. She announced, “Moldova, you’ve done it again. Not even the darkest attempts to spread fear and create division could shatter your unity.”
This election’s outcome marks an unequivocal step in favor of deepening collaboration with the European Union. Andrei Sandu’s administration will, of course, be tasked with continuing the reforms needed to bring Moldova into agreement with EU norms and practices. This political turnaround and strategic shift towards Europe is a direct response to popular support clearly in favor of greater integration rather than reliance on Moscow.
Moldova is writing a promising new chapter under Sandu’s leadership. For the government to win, it will need to overcome two enormous hurdles – both enacting vital reforms and warding off powerful interests that seek to undermine its sovereignty. The road ahead will not be easy, but Sandu’s administration is committed to meeting these challenges head-on. They are determined to stand up for democratic ideals and fight for genuine European dreams.