Moldova votes for European future as Sandu secures victory
Since Sunday evening, as more votes were being counted in the second round of the presidential elections in Moldova, congratulations have been appearing online for the winner - the incumbent president Maia Sandu. Politicians highlight "exceptional strength," "overcoming challenges," and the Moldovan citizens' determination.
According to data from 99.77% of the electoral commissions, the incumbent president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, won in the second round of the presidential elections, securing 55.37% of the vote. Her opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, received 44.63%, reported the Central Electoral Commission in Chișinău.
Many politicians, including heads of state and leaders of EU institutions, were quick to offer their congratulations and expressed satisfaction with the outcome online.
"Congratulations to @sandumaiamd on your re-election as the President of the Republic of Moldova! Your victory is a clear sign that Moldova's place is in a democratic and united Europe. And no external forces will ever change that," said Polish President Andrzej Duda on the X platform Monday morning.
The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen congratulated Sandu just after midnight, also posting a shared photo. "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," wrote von der Leyen on X.
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, in her post conveyed that Maia Sandu "demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership skills." As she noted, in the previous term, the President of Moldova "led the charge for democracy, rule of law & a European future." "Europe will keep standing with Moldova on this journey," added Metsola.
"I congratulate Maia Sandu on winning the presidential elections in Moldova. Ukraine supports the Moldovan people's European choice and is ready to cooperate to strengthen our partnership," wrote Volodymyr Zelensky on X Monday morning.
"Congratulations to Maia Sandu on winning the presidential election in Moldova. Ukraine supports the European choice of the Moldovan people and stands ready to work together to strengthen our partnership," added the Ukrainian president.
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, while offering congratulations, also emphasized that "the people of Moldova have reaffirmed their trust in your leadership, stability and commitment to a European future."
In addition to his congratulations, the EU High Representative Josep Borrell wrote: "Moldovans have shown once again their determination to build a European future despite hybrid attempts to undermine democracy."
