“It weakens the pro-European image”
The referendum result – even if it still turns negative and the “yes” vote narrowly wins – “weakens the pro-European image of society and Maia Sandu’s leadership,” said Florent Parmentier, a political scientist at Sciences Po in Paris. AFP.
Describing the result as a “surprise”, he said it would have no impact on EU accession negotiations, which started in June this year, although a clear “yes” would be a “clear positive signal to Brussels”.
Parmentier added that the results “did not bode well for a second round” for Sandu, noting that many of those who supported nine other candidates on Sunday were more likely to vote for Stoiagnol in the second round.
Sandu, 52, a former World Bank economist and Moldova’s first female president, was the clear favorite in the race, with polls also predicting a “Yes” victory in the referendum.
Sandu’s critics say she has not done enough to fight inflation in one of Europe’s poorest countries and reform the judiciary.
In his campaign, Stoianoglo – fired by Sandu as prosecutor – called for “the restoration of justice” and promised to pursue a “sustainable foreign policy.”
The 57-year-old abstained from voting in the referendum.
In Chisinau, a Ghenadie voter who declined to give his name expressed concern over what he sees as the country’s “western” drift and believes the government is “worsening the economic situation.”
Another voter, Olga Cernega, a 60-year-old economist, stated that she came to vote “for prosperity, peace and well-being in our country.”
