Reactions in Romania to elections in Republic of Moldova

Political leaders in Bucharest congratulate pro-European candidate Maia Sandu for result in first round of presidential elections in the Republic of Moldova.

Leyla Cheamil, 03.11.2020, 13:50

The
pro-European candidate of the Party of Action and Solidarity Maia Sandu won the
first round of the presidential elections held on Sunday in the Republic of
Moldova, a former Soviet state with a majority Romanian speaking population. Maia
Sandu has a background in economics, has graduated from Harvard University and
has previously served as minister for education and prime minister. In the
first round, she won 36.16% of the votes compared with the 32.16% won by the pro-Russian
incumbent Igor Dodon. The two will face each other in a decisive round on 15th
November in a re-run of the previous elections four years ago, when Dodon won
the vote.

Romanian
prime minister Ludovic Orban congratulated Maia Sandu for her score in the
first round, saying she is the candidate who would more firmly lead the
Republic of Moldova on the path to Europe:

I’m
convinced that democracy will be respected, that the second round of elections
will be held in conditions of legality and respect for the right to vote of each
and every citizen of the Republic of Moldova. I would also like to convey my
belief that Maia Sandu is the candidate for president who can guarantee a Republic
of Moldova where human rights are respected, where every person has a chance to
a better life, a Republic of Moldova that would embark more firmly on a European
course and the path to economic development and respect for all European
standards ensuring the quality of life.

The
Romanian foreign ministry has also emphasised in a statement that it is essential
for the second round of the presidential elections in the Republic of Moldova
to take place with complete transparency, in keeping with the European and
international standards and democratic principles. The statement also recalls
that Romania is a staunch supporter of a European future for its neighbouring
state, the only course able to ensure the Moldovan citizens the prosperity they
deserve.

The
co-president of the Save Romania Union and leader of the Renew Europe group in
the European Parliament Dacian Cioloş has described as remarkable the result
obtained by Maia Sandu in the first round of the presidential elections, adding
that she wished her to maintain this lead in the second round. The president of
the People’s Movement Party Eugen Tomac also congratulated Maia Sandu for her first-round
victory, saying his party maintains its goal to promote the union of Romania
with the Republic of Moldova. As for the second round, political commentator
Iulian Chifu believes the votes will be either pro-Dodon or anti-Dodon, saying
Maia Sandu is the favourite, with one of her possible advantages being the
votes cast by the Moldovans living abroad.