European leaders breathed a collective sigh of relief on Monday after Moldovan President Maia Sandu decisively won a high-stakes presidential runoff that was marred by accusations of Russian interference and massive vote-buying.
It was a boost for the European Union on the eve of US presidential elections, and came a week after last weekend’s disputed elections in another ex-Soviet republic Georgia, whose president described the vote as a “Russian special operation”.
“Democracy has prevailed! ” said President Klaus Iohannis on X after Sandu’s win in the Sunday ballot was announced.
“Congratulations to @sandumaiamd and the Republic of Moldova on a decisive victory towards the EU path. Romania stands by you! Many thanks to the diaspora for mobilizing and making history against vote-buying and propaganda!” wrote Romanian Senate speaker, Nicolae Ciuca, who’s running for president in neighboring Romania on Nov. 24
Democracy has prevailed!
Congratulations to @sandumaiamd and the Republic of Moldova on a decisive victory towards the EU path. Romania stands by you! Many thanks to the diaspora for mobilizing and making history against vote-buying and propaganda! pic.twitter.com/7uECeTqWCK— Nicolae Ionel Ciucă (@NicolaeCiuca) November 4, 2024
🇷🇴 🇲🇩 This success firmly places Moldova’s destiny in the European family.
Through the new mandate entrusted to you, you have the unique chance to continue and consolidate the reforms and progress of the last 4 years, in order to ensure stability, well-being and peace. Romania remains the most involved supporter of the development of the Republic of Moldova.
Prin noul mandat care v-a fost încredințat, aveți șansa unică de a continua și consolida reformele și progresele din ultimii 4 ani, pentru a asigura stabilitatea, bunăstarea și pacea. România rămâne cel mai implicat susținător al dezvoltării Republicii Moldova.
— Klaus Iohannis (@KlausIohannis) November 4, 2024
French President Emmanuel Macron simply said:”Democracy has triumphed over all the meddling and maneuvers.
Je tiens à féliciter Maïa Sandu pour sa réélection à la tête de la Moldavie. La démocratie a triomphé de toutes les interférences et de toutes les manœuvres. La France continuera de se tenir aux côtés de la Moldavie sur son chemin européen.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 3, 2024
President of the European Commission, Ursula van der Leyen wrote: “Congratulations, dear @sandumaiamd 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.
Congratulations, dear @sandumaiamd, 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. pic.twitter.com/YcCurwhpCq
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 3, 2024
German chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated the former World Bank executive for steering the small nation that neighbors Ukraine and EU member Romania “through difficult times.”
.@sandumaiamd has steered the Republic of Moldova safely through difficult times and set the country on a European course. We stand by Moldova's side. Congratulations on your re-election as President! https://t.co/vRZEz8pbIL
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) November 4, 2024
King Felipe pelted with mud & other objects, blamed for flooding
