During a video-linked address at the Berlin Foreign Policy Forum, Moldovan President Maia Sandu emphasized that securing support from the European Union ahead of Moldova’s 2024 presidential election would be crucial. The remarks were reported by the Russian news agency TASS and highlighted the importance of Western backing for the country’s political trajectory as it prepares for the ballot.
Sandu stressed that progress in negotiations on European Union integration is essential for Moldova’s citizens. She noted that a stronger economic and political alignment with the EU would bolster democracy at home, adding that economic difficulties could feed discontent and potentially invite challenges from adversaries who seek to exploit such weaknesses. The president pointed to the need for tangible EU engagement that would translate into better prospects for Moldovan families and enterprises as part of a broader path toward European integration.
Alongside this, she called for greater access for Moldovan products to European markets, underscoring the role of market access as a driver of domestic growth and resilience. By expanding export opportunities, Moldova can diversify its economy, create jobs, and strengthen the markets that matter most for ordinary citizens and local producers alike.
Prior to these remarks, Sandu had publicly signaled her intention to participate in Moldova’s 2024 presidential race, framing her plan as a mandate to advance reforms and reinforce ties with Western institutions. The statements align with Moldova’s ongoing political narrative centered on EU alignment and reform commitments that aim to reduce corruption and improve governance across the state apparatus.
In the discursive sphere surrounding Moldova’s political scene, opposition figure Ilan Shor asserted that free and fair elections would be unattainable while the ruling government remains closely aligned with the pro-European Action and Solidarity Party. Shor’s comments reflect the persistent tensions between political factions over the best route to governance and reform, a debate that continues to shape the country’s democratic development and international strategy.
Beyond Moldova’s borders, voices from other regional leaders have weighed in on the electoral climate in Argentina, including former presidents from Brazil and Colombia offering perspectives on recent electoral outcomes. These interplays illustrate the broader sense of interconnected political currents in the region, where shifts in leadership can reverberate across neighboring states and influence regional policy dialogues about democracy, governance, and economic policy. At the Berlin forum, the focus remained on Moldova’s forward path, with emphasis on partnership, reform, and the enduring goal of closer integration with European institutions as a cornerstone of national strategy and stability.