Moldova elections heat up: Sandu vs. Stoianoglo showdown
During the debate before the second round of the presidential elections in Moldova, Maia Sandu, who is seeking re-election, called Alexandr Stoianoglo a "Trojan horse." Sandu's political opponent, meanwhile, argued that the incumbent president should "admit her mistakes." The second round of elections is scheduled for November 3.
On the eve of the second round of presidential elections in Moldova, the incumbent president Maia Sandu and her rival Alexandr Stoianoglo engaged in a debate where strong words were exchanged.
During the Sunday meeting leading up to the scheduled second round of elections on November 3, Maia Sandu referred to her opponent as Russia's "Trojan horse."
We know who is hiding behind the 'Trojan horse' [of Moscow]. It's a debate about two alternatives for Moldova: stagnation or development, stability vs. instability — Sandu emphasized at the beginning of the discussion.
In response, Alexandr Stoianoglo, a former general prosecutor from the autonomous region of Gagauzia, supported by pro-Russian socialists, criticized Sandu's past governance. He stated that during her first term, the president and government "did nothing," and Sandu herself should "admit her mistakes."
Stoianoglo also assured that his program focuses on economic development, modernization of the country, the return of migrant workers, and maintaining good relations "with all partners," including Ukraine, Russia, and China.
I am a supporter of Moldova's European course and am ready to put this in writing — declared Stoianoglo, explaining at the same time that he boycotted the EU referendum because, in his view, it served "Sandu's political goals."
Expert: Sandu performed better
Sandu also attempted to demonstrate that her rival's centrist narrative—assuming good relations with everyone, including the Kremlin—is doomed to fail, partly because Ukraine perceives him as "Moscow's hand."
Meanwhile, Stoianoglo sought to portray himself as a pro-European, though centrist, politician while casting Sandu as ineffective, incompetent, and neglectful of minority rights, which — he argued — is contrary to European practices.
The candidates repeated arguments already familiar to Moldovans, but Sandu performed better in charisma and confidence.
The debate was conducted mainly in Romania, and Stoianoglo felt less confident. Only a small part of the discussion occurred in Russian, where Sandu appeared less strong.
Presidential elections in Moldova
In the first round of elections, held on October 20, Maia Sandu received 42.49 percent of the votes, while Alexandr Stoianoglo gained 26.95 percent of the votes.
Alongside the presidential elections, a referendum on including euro integration in the constitution occurred. According to preliminary results provided by the Central Election Commission, 50.35 percent of voters supported this proposal. Earlier polls indicated support at the level of 55 percent, without considering the diaspora's votes, which could have increased this result to over 60 percent.
Analysts cited by the Polish Press Agency highlight the intensifying disinformation campaign by Russia and its allies. They also point out the unprecedented scale of interference in the election process through voter bribery and direct influence on its outcome.
Such actions pose a serious threat in the context of the upcoming second round of presidential elections and next year's parliamentary elections in Moldova.
