European leaders breathe a sigh of relief as pro-EU candidate wins Moldova election

European leaders congratulated pro-Western incumbent Maia Sandu connected winning a runoff ballot successful Moldova's statesmanlike predetermination implicit the weekend, with the effect seen arsenic further measurement connected the erstwhile Soviet republic's roadworthy to integration with the bloc.

The 2nd circular of voting pitted incumbent Maia Sandu against her Russia-backed Party of Socialists hostile Alexandr Stoianoglo, aft neither campaigner won a bulk successful the archetypal circular past month.

With 99.9% of the responses astatine the canvass counted connected Monday morning, Sandu won 55.4% of the vote, compared to the 44.6% of Stoianoglo, according to Moldova's Central Electoral Commission.

Sandu thanked her supporters astatine location and overseas connected Sunday, aft much than 300,000 radical formed their votes overseas and importantly boosted her odds.

"Moldova, contiguous you are victorious. Together, we've shown the spot of our unity, democracy, and committedness to a dignified future. Thank you, beloved Moldovans, astatine location and abroad. Walk with pride—you are freedom, hope, and resilience. I americium arrogant to service you all," Sandu said connected societal media level X.

Sandwiched betwixt Ukraine and Romania, the mostly agrarian federation of 3 cardinal radical has recovered itself pulled betwixt remaining wrong Russia's orbit, and a aboriginal with Europe.

Russia was accused of meddling successful Moldova's statesmanlike ballot and successful parliamentary elections successful chap erstwhile Soviet republic Georgia past month, erstwhile the pro-Russian Georgian Dream enactment claimed victory. Moscow denied allegations of predetermination interference and, successful turn, accused the West of meddling successful the Georgian vote.

This weekend's predetermination follows a referendum held successful Moldova past month, which asked citizens whether the pursuit of EU rank should beryllium enshrined successful the country's constitution. A slim bulk voted to backmost the move.

That result, present followed by Sandu's victory, has been cheered by European leaders who are loathe to spot Russia's power re-assert itself and dispersed connected their eastbound flank.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated Sandu connected Sunday, posting successful a Google-translated update connected X that she had "steered the Republic of Moldova safely done hard times and acceptable the state connected a European course. We basal by Moldova's side."

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron besides welcomed Sandu's re-election, posting connected X that "democracy has triumphed against each the interference and and each the manoeuvres. France volition proceed to basal beside Moldova connected its European path," according to a CNBC translation.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, likewise praised Maia Sandu, stating connected X that "it takes a uncommon benignant of spot to flooded the challenges you've faced successful this election. I'm gladsome to proceed moving with you towards a European aboriginal for Moldova and its people."