Sighs and Smiles

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Moldova’s President Maia Sandu claimed victory in the country’s presidential runoff election Sunday, a contest seen as a pivotal choice between Western alignment and Russian influence, BBC reported.

The Central Electoral Commission announced Monday that pro-European Union Sandu secured a second term in office with 55.4 percent of the vote, while her Russia-aligned opponent Alexandr Stoianoglo garnered just over 44 percent of the vote.

Sandu, 52, thanked supporters, calling her victory a triumph for Moldova’s “unity, democracy, and commitment to a dignified future.” Her appeal extended to Moldovans living abroad, whose turnout in record numbers – exceeding 300,000 people – notably boosted her lead. Following her win, Sandu reiterated her pledge to implement judicial reform and anti-corruption measures, acknowledging that voters had voiced a strong mandate for change.

The election underscored Moldova’s internal divisions, with Sandu sweeping the capital, Chișinău, and winning heavily among young and urban voters, while Stoianoglo led in rural areas.

Sandu’s opponent, a former prosecutor general backed by the Russian-backed Party of Socialists, had campaigned on improving ties with Moscow. However, Stoianoglo has denied being a Kremlin ally. Meanwhile, Moldova’s national security adviser accused Russia of interference, citing “massive influence” efforts such as organized buses to take voters to polls.

Russia’s government denied the claims, calling them “unfounded.”

European leaders congratulated Sandu, viewing her victory as a boost for Moldova’s aspirations to join the EU, CNBC News noted.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised her for “setting the country on a European course,” while French President Emmanuel Macron lauded Moldova’s resilience against “interference.”

Located between Ukraine and Romania, the former Soviet state has faced pressure from Moscow, particularly in the Russian-backed separatist region of Transnistria, where thousands of Russian troops are stationed.