German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Monday congratulated Moldova‘s pro-EU incumbent Maia Sandu on winning the country’s closely contested presidential election.
He said Sandu had “steered the Republic of Moldova safely through difficult times and set the country on a European course.”
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also congratulated Sandu “wholeheartedly on her reelection.”
“The people of Moldova have decided: The majority of them want to continue resolutely on the path to the EU,” she wrote on X, adding that the Moldovan people’s rejection of Russia’s “hybrid stranglehold” deserved “respect.”
The election in the ex-Soviet republic, sandwiched between war-torn Ukraine and the European Union, has been overshadowed by accusations of interference from Moscow. Sandu won 54% of the vote in Sunday’s runoff against Alexandr Stoianoglo, who was seen as the pro-Russian candidate.
Zelenskyy vows to strengthen ties with Moldova
Sandu was also congratulated by the president of neighboring Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Moldovans have made a clear choice — they chose a path toward economic growth and social stability,” he wrote on X.
“Only true security and a peaceful, united Europe can guarantee each person and every family the confidence to face tomorrow with hope and certainty,” Zelenskyy added, vowing to strengthen ties.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, both Chisinau and Kyiv applied for their countries to join the European Union. In June 2022, both countries were granted candidate status.
Zelenskyy vows to strengthen ties with Moldova
Sandu was also congratulated by the president of neighboring Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“Moldovans have made a clear choice — they chose a path toward economic growth and social stability,” he wrote on X.
“Only true security and a peaceful, united Europe can guarantee each person and every family the confidence to face tomorrow with hope and certainty,” Zelenskyy added, vowing to strengthen ties.
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, both Chisinau and Kyiv applied for their countries to join the European Union. In June 2022, both countries were granted candidate status.
