The Diplomat
The Spanish government on Monday congratulated the president of Moldova, Maia Sandu, on her victory in the presidential elections of November 3, in which she beat the candidate of the Party of Socialists (PSRM), Alexandr Stoianoglo, who is close to Russia.
“The people of Moldova have reiterated their will to continue moving towards their entry into the EU,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. “Spain will continue to support them in this objective,” it added.
The leader of the Party of Action and Solidarity and pro-European Maia Sandu was re-elected for a second term after winning the second round of the presidential elections with 55% of the votes, above the 45% of her rival, Alexandr Stoianoglo.
The European leaders have congratulated Sandu on her victory and have reaffirmed their support for Moldova’s integration into the EU. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed that “it takes uncommon strength to overcome the challenges they have faced in these elections” and reiterated her commitment to “continue working for a European future for Moldova and its people”.
After the first round of the elections, a European Parliament observation delegation denounced Russia’s “massive and unprecedented” interference in both the referendum and the presidential elections.
For his part, EU High Representative Josep Borrell welcomed Sandu’s re-election, stressing that “Moldovans have once again demonstrated their determination to build a European future despite hybrid attempts to undermine democracy”.
In a similar message, European Council President Charles Michel also expressed his support for Sandu’s re-election, stating that the Moldovan people reaffirmed their confidence in her leadership and her path towards the EU.
Since Moldova formally applied to join the European bloc in March 2022, the EU executive believes that the country has taken important steps towards its rapprochement with the EU.
