Moldovans head to polls in major test for EU future

Charles Micheleuropean Council President

The people of Moldova have reaffirmed their trust in your leadership, stability and commitment to a European future,

wrote European Council President Charles Michel

Giorgia Meloniprime Minister

Congratulations to Maia Sandu for her re-election as president of the Republic of Moldova,

wrote Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose country is one of the top destinations for Moldovans living abroad

Emmanuel Macronfrench President

Democracy has triumphed over all interference and maneuvers. France will continue to stand by Moldova on its European path,

wrote French President Emmanuel Macron

Josep BorrelleU foreign affairs chief

Moldovans have shown once again their determination to build a European future despite hybrid attempts to undermine democracy,

EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell chimed in, with a dig at Russia

Alexandr Stoianoglo, the president of the people of Moldova, won the real victory in the presidential elections,

the statement continued

We reaffirmed our commitment to work together on our path to a common goal — membership in the European Union. We coordinated our next steps, and I invited President Sandu to visit Ukraine,

he wrote

I hope the government will understand the results, especially the one obtained on Moldovan soil that was a negative one for them, both in the referendum and the presidential election,

20-year-old student Artur, who did not give his surname, said in Chisinau on Monday, referring to the more than 50% support for Stoianoglo from voters within Moldova

Our diaspora has given us yet another lesson today, one that we should all learn from,

said Sandu, a former World Bank official

We must understand that we only won a battle, ... and the war will continue till after the parliamentary election — and actually that’s where all Russia’s bets are on.”

he said

Maia Sandu is an illegitimate president, recognized only by her sponsors and supporters abroad. The people of Moldova feel betrayed and robbed,

the party claimed in a statement, decrying "blocking of voters' access" and other alleged irregularities in the vote, in which Sandu benefitted from strong support from the country's large diaspora

Only true security and a peaceful, united Europe can guarantee each person and every family the confidence to face tomorrow with hope and certainty,

he said

Volodymyr Zelenskyypresident

Moldovans have made a clear choice,

Zelenskyy said Monday

Joe Bidenthe White House, President

For months, Russia sought to undermine Moldova's democratic institutions and election processes. But Russia failed,

Mr. Biden said

Residents of Moldova made a decision on 3 November 2024, indicating their desire to change this government. Residents of Moldova will continue to make decisions in the upcoming parliamentary elections,

the Party of Socialists said

Maia Sandu has become the 'president of the diaspora'. The Party of Socialists does not recognise the voting at polling stations abroad which resulted in Sandu being declared the winner,

the party said in a statement

The amount of election interference is striking and a warning sign for what's to come in countries inside and outside of the EU. For now this is a welcome dose of good news,

one EU diplomat told Reuters

I fully understand that this vote was also driven by the need for change – changes that society has been awaiting. I want you to know – I have heard all voices, including the critical ones,

Sandu said in a victory speech

For the parliamentary elections, it will be much harder to prevent the impact of this interference,

Pasha added

Prices are high, everything is expensive, everything. The people move abroad, leaving their homes behind,

said Dmitri, 57, who declined to give his surname

@sandumaiamd has steered the Republic of Moldova safely through difficult times and set the country on a European course. We stand by Moldova’s side,

The German chancellor, Olaf Scholz, echoed this sentiment ... he said