Chisinau, 4 November 2024
Pro-European President Maia Sandu has won the second round of presidential elections in Moldova in a runoff battle with Socialist Alexandr Stoianoglo. 930,512 eligible citizens voted for Maia Sandu or 55.41% of the total number of voters. Alexandr Stoianoglo received 748,781 votes, 44.59%.
Several European leaders have sent their congratulations to Maia Sandu, who was re-elected president of Moldova. They said “democracy has triumphed over all interferences and maneuvers” and “Europe will continue to stand by Moldova”.
EU High Representative Josep Borrell and the European Commission said in a joint statement:
“The EU warmly congratulates Maia Sandu on her re-election for a second term as President of the Republic of Moldova. We commend the Moldovan authorities for the successful conduct of the election, despite unprecedented interference by Russia, including with vote-buying schemes and disinformation. These hybrid attempts have sought to undermine the country’s democratic institutions and its EU path.”
“The European Union supports Moldova’s security and resilience including through the European Peace Facility and the European Union Partnership Mission. Moldova was the first country to conclude a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU.
The recent referendum has reaffirmed the Moldovan people’s commitment to the European path and to further strengthening our close ties. The EU will continue to work with the President and the Moldovan authorities to promote further reforms and enhance the country’s stability and prosperity on its EU path, including through the recently announced Growth Plan for Moldova.”
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X: Congratulations Maia Sandu, on your victory tonight. 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.”
EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola said that Europe will continue to stand by Moldova. “Congratulations, Mrs. Maia Sandu, who has led the fight for democracy, the rule of law and a European future by being re-elected President. She has shown courage and extraordinary leadership to stand up for her people. Europe will continue to stand by Moldova on this path,” wrote Roberta Metsola.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy worte on X: “Congratulations, 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. 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.”
French President Emmanuel Macron stressed that democracy has triumphed in the face of all interference and maneuvering. “I would like to congratulate Maia Sandu on her re-election as leader of Moldova. Democracy has triumphed over all interference and maneuvering. France will continue to stand by Moldova on its European path,” Emmanuel Macron said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wrote: “Maia Sandu has led the Republic of Moldova successfully through difficult times and has set the country on a European path. We stand by Moldova. Congratulations on your re-election as President!”
The Co-Chairmen of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Parliament, Nicola Procaccini and Joachim Brudziński, also congratulated Maia Sandu on her re-election as President of the Republic of Moldova. ECR Co-Chairman Nicola Procaccini said: “I cordially congratulate Maia Sandu on her re-election as President of Moldova. She has shown herself to be a strong and capable leader, committed to European values and determined to improve the lives of Moldovan citizens. I wish her every success in transforming Moldova into a modern and prosperous country, firmly on track for future EU membership.” ECR Co-Chairman Joachim Brudziński said: “I warmly congratulate Maia Sandu on her re-election. With her unwavering commitment to democracy and the rule of law, and her fight against the grip of the oligarchs, she is an example of the European spirit. I wish her all the best as she continues to lead Moldova into the EU.”
Sources: X, Electoral Commission of Molodova / Moldpress, ECR Group, EEAS