In a moment watched by policymakers across Europe, President Andrzej Duda publicly congratulated Maia Sandu after her re‑election in Moldova’s latest round of the presidential contest. Duda’s message, posted on X, carried a straightforward assertion: Sandu’s victory tests Moldova’s democratic institutions and proves the country remains on a path toward closer integration with Europe and stronger cooperation with Western partners. The tone suggested that Central and Eastern European leaders share a belief that Moldova has a pivotal role in the wider regional framework. Observers noted that Moldova’s security and prosperity were seen as inseparable from the rule of law, competitive markets, and broad civil liberties. For those watching from Chisinau and from international capitals, Duda’s remarks reinforced a narrative of continuity and reinforced alliances at a moment when geopolitical headwinds test national resilience. The statement underscored a consensus that Moldova’s future should be anchored in democratic governance, open economies, and alignment with European standards and norms, a position repeatedly echoed by Brussels, Washington, and other capitals. The exchange illustrated that Moldova’s presidential handover transcends domestic affairs and carries significance for regional diplomacy, energy security, trade, and sovereignty across neighboring countries.
Maia Sandu, long associated with pro‑European and pro‑Atlantic priorities, was expected to begin another term. Official tallies placed her at 55.37 percent in the second round, with 99.77 percent of polling stations reporting their tallies. Alexandr Stoianoglo, her rival in the runoff, totaled 44.63 percent. The certified numbers came from the national tally and were confirmed by electoral authorities, signaling broad support for Sandu’s reform agenda and Moldova’s euro integration trajectory. Analysts noted that Sandu’s leadership is linked to advancing reforms that strengthen judicial independence, transparency, and engagement with European institutions. The result preserves the direction toward EU and NATO alignment, while continuing to address domestic economic challenges and regional security concerns. The distribution of support across urban and rural districts, alongside turnout among younger voters and professionals, indicated a broad consensus around Sandu’s modernization approach and a future shaped by Western partnership.
Observers welcomed the messages from Moldova and its European partners, noting that Sandu’s victory reinforces Moldova’s European orientation and its ability to work with international allies on shared priorities in security, economy, and governance. The announcement from Chisinau carried the sense that Moldova remains committed to deepening ties with the European Union and allied institutions and that democratic reforms will continue to be a central feature of the country’s policy agenda. This moment was seen as a signal to Brussels and Washington that Moldova intends to sustain reforms and to maintain a clear foreign policy direction toward Western institutions, even as regional tensions persist.
Difficult choices
The second round unfolded under tense conditions described by authorities as marked by attempts at interference from Russian actors. Yet it also revealed strong mobilization, with voters at home and abroad turning out in large numbers, and the Moldovan diaspora casting a significant share of ballots in support of Sandu. National tallies showed Sandu with a clear lead while Stoianoglo trailed, and diaspora votes helped shape the final result. The conduct of the vote, amidst security concerns, reinforced the sense that Moldova remains committed to pursuing a European future while facing external pressure to retreat from reform and integration.
Earlier in October, the first round was held together with a constitutional referendum that sought to embed EU integration in the Constitution. The referendum passed by a narrow margin, with about 50.35 percent of voters supporting the inclusion. After the count, the Constitutional Court certified the results, confirming the pledge to European alignment and signaling a mandate for reform. Observers noted that this sequence underscored Moldova’s resolve to anchor its future in European standards and institutions, even amid political and security challenges that accompany such a transition.
Taken together, these developments reveal Moldova’s shifting political landscape, the resilience of a pro‑European majority, and ongoing work to bolster democratic governance, the rule of law, and integration with Western partners. The combination of a Sandu presidency and the constitutional endorsement of EU integration points to a clear trajectory toward closer European ties, even as the country continues to tackle domestic reform needs and external pressures.