Sandu Launches Moldova Re-Election Bid and EU Membership Referendum Campaign, Reports Reuters

By Alexander Tanas

CHISINAU – Pro-European President Maia Sandu held a rally in the city center on Friday to launch her re-election campaign, which will run concurrently with a referendum aimed at reinforcing her initiative to join the European Union.

Approximately 3,000 supporters gathered at Chisinau’s opera house, passionately cheering for Sandu, while her main opponent, Alexandr Stoianoglo, the prosecutor general she dismissed, spoke to a crowd of about 100 at the city’s triumphal arch.

As the nomination deadline approached, Moldova’s Central Election Commission announced that four candidates had been officially registered for the October 20 election. This number is expected to rise to a record 12 within the next week as the commission reviews the 15,000 signatures submitted with each application.

Sandu has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, identifying Russia and corruption as the primary threats to her country, located between Ukraine and Romania.

"Every generation has its mission. Those before us fought for freedom, their language, self-determination… and risked losing their jobs or getting arrested," Sandu told her supporters. "For our generation, democracy means integrating Moldova into the European family of lasting peace and prosperity."

Stoianoglo was removed from his position by Sandu for not adequately pursuing her anti-corruption agenda. He is supported by the pro-Moscow opposition Socialist Party, which claims not to oppose EU membership but accuses Sandu of manipulating the referendum process to secure a second term.

Other registered candidates include Renato Usatii, who finished third in the 2020 election and represents a moderate stance between Russia and Western Europe, and former Prime Minister Vasile Tarlev. Additional candidates are expected to be approved, including another former prime minister and a former deputy prime minister.

Under Sandu’s leadership, Moldova, one of Europe’s poorest countries, has actively pursued EU membership; last year, the EU agreed to initiate membership talks with her government.

Recent polls indicate Sandu leading with approximately 27% support, while both Usatii and Stoianoglo are at around 11.5%.

Surveys reveal that about 48% of the population is in favor of constitutional amendments to facilitate EU accession, while 37% oppose such changes. Seventeen political parties are anticipated to participate in the referendum campaign, including three that advocate for a "no" vote.