By Kontur and AFP | 2024-11-07

CHISINAU -- The European Union (EU) on November 4 welcomed the re-election of Moldova's pro-European President Maia Sandu, in a tense vote that has laid bare divisions in the former Soviet republic bordering war-torn Ukraine.

"Moldovans have shown once again their determination to build a European future despite hybrid attempts to undermine democracy," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell posted on X.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also congratulated Sandu on her re-election and the country's "European future."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Sandu had "safely guided the Republic of Moldova through difficult times and set her country's European course."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also congratulated Sandu, saying: "Only true security and a peaceful, united Europe can guarantee each person and every family the confidence to face tomorrow with hope and certainty."

'Foreign interference'

Since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sandu has lobbied for the West to support her country and to hear its concerns that it could be the Kremlin's next target.

In a tense election battle overshadowed by fears of Russian meddling, Sandu secured a second term November 3, defeating pro-Kremlin ex-prosecutor Alexandr Stoianoglo.

The election took place just two weeks after an October 20 referendum in which Moldavans voted by a razor-thin margin -- 50.35% -- to back joining the EU.

Sandu blamed "foreign interference" for the narrow result in the country of 2.6 million people.

Police said they uncovered a Russian vote-buying scheme that could have affected up to a quarter of the ballots.

Sandu, 52, applied for Moldova to join the EU in 2022 after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Membership negotiations formally began in June.

In stirring speeches, Sandu has warned of a tough but worthy road ahead.

She has laid out wide-ranging reforms to fight graft and bring in investment.

"Joining the European Union is Moldova's Marshall Plan," Sandu said in a speech last month, referring to the postwar economic plan for rebuilding Europe.

To maintain its pro-EU course, Moldova needs "a lot of help," given "the hybrid war waged by Russia," according to Andrei Curăraru, an analyst at the Chisinau-based WatchDog.MD think tank.

"It will not succeed on its own," he said.

'President for all'

Landlocked between Ukraine and EU member Romania, Moldova has long been divided over choosing closer ties with the EU or maintaining Soviet-era relations with Moscow.

When Sandu was first elected president in 2020, her promises of honesty and competence resonated with many Moldovans following political crises and corruption scandals.

Sandu vowed balanced ties with the West and Russia, but relations with Moscow have increasingly soured since Russia invaded Ukraine, with Sandu accusing Moscow of meddling in her country's politics.

Fluent in Romanian, English and Russian, Sandu enjoys the "respect and recognition" of international leaders, according to Armand Gosu, a Romanian historian who specializes in former Soviet countries and Russia.

Sandu is "a huge chance for Moldova," he said, noting she was likely the first Moldovan leader "of such international stature."

Her critics accuse her of lobbying the West while having failed to manage the country's struggling economy and high inflation or to push forward judicial reforms.

Sandu has been able "to unite a large base of voters" but also has a "a relatively large core of disappointed people," said Florent Parmentier, a political scientist at Paris-based Sciences Po.

"The main criticism of her is regarding her ability to listen" to opposing views, he said.

In her victory speech November 3 Sandu vowed to be a "president for all."

"I have heard your voice -- both from those who support me and those who voted differently," she said. "No matter your voting choice, we all want to live in peace, in harmony, and to have a better life. I assure you that this is my primary goal for the coming years."