Maia Sandu sworn in for second term as Moldova’s president

Maia Sandu was sworn in for her second term as President of the Republic of Moldova in a formal joint session of the parliament and Constitutional Court in the capital Chișinău on Tuesday.

After taking the oath, Sandu expressed her gratitude to the people for their trust as she accepted the new mandate “with humility and determination”.

Reflecting on her first term, she acknowledged the multiple crises faced but emphasised “the determination and courage of Moldovans to choose to be on the good side of history.”

The 52-year-old former World Bank advisor also said, “We managed to open the door wide to the European Union,” as Moldova, a candidate country, waits for Brussels to officially accept it.

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in early 2022, Sandu has repeatedly called on Western leaders to address Moldova’s concerns, fearing that her country could be the next target of the Kremlin.

Moldova is home to a Kremlin-backed breakaway parastate of Transnistria, which hosts a large contingent of Moscow troops and a major Russian weapons storage facility.

However, the territory remains internationally recognised as a part of Moldova. Most recently, in March 2022, the Council of Europe adopted a resolution that defining the territory as under Russian occupation.

Sandu urged citizens to remain mobilised and optimistic, stating that Moldova is on the right path.

The pro-Western president secured a second term in a crucial presidential runoff against a Russia-friendly opponent. The race, according to Moldovan police, was overshadowed by claims of Moscow’s interference, voter fraud, and intimidation.

Sandu received 55.03% of the vote, with a turnout of more than 1.68 million people, or around 54% of eligible voters, according to the Central Electoral Commission.

Her competitor, former prosecutor general Alexandr Stoianoglo, received just under 45%.

The role carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security, which are restricted under Moldovan laws to a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms.