**Moldova’s EU Future Rests on September Election, President Sandu Says**
As Moldova prepares for a crucial election on September 28, the country’s president, Maia Sandu, has emphasized that the nation’s European Union aspirations depend on its citizens. Speaking after the inaugural summit of the 27-nation bloc with Moldova, Sandu expressed her hope that her pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) will retain its parliamentary majority.
This development is crucial for Moldova, one of Europe’s poorest nations, which aims to join the EU by 2030. The PAS party faces a challenge from the pro-Russian Socialist Party and its allies in the upcoming election. Sandu secured re-election last year by a narrow margin against a Socialist challenger. A referendum seeking public backing for EU membership also just barely surpassed a 50% majority.
Sandu’s remarks highlight the significance of the September election, which will determine Moldova’s future course on the European stage. The president emphasized that “prosperity and peace do not occur for nothing,” and that collective effort and unity are necessary to achieve these goals. She also stressed that citizens must choose the correct path and proceed along it.
The pro-European parties face a difficult challenge in securing a parliamentary majority, with opinion polls suggesting that no single party will likely secure a majority. If no majority emerges, pro-European parties would need to engage in coalition talks. This uncertainty adds to the complexity of Moldova’s EU aspirations.
**EU Support for Moldova**
At the summit, which included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council head Antonio Costa, the EU announced the disbursement of the first €270 million ($318 million) tranche of an Economic Growth Plan for Moldova. This support is crucial for Moldova’s economic development and its journey towards EU membership.
**Russian Influence**
Moldovan President Sandu has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and accused Moscow of destabilizing Moldova. Russia, in turn, claims many Moldovans desire to maintain ties with Moscow and accuses Sandu of fostering Russophobia. This tension highlights the complexities of Moldova’s relationship with its larger neighbor.
The September election will be a pivotal moment for Moldova, as it determines the nation’s future course on the European stage. The outcome will have significant implications for Moldova’s economic development, its relations with Russia, and its EU aspirations.
**A Closer Look**
The September 28 election is crucial for Moldova’s European Union aspirations. President Sandu hopes that her pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) will retain its parliamentary majority. The PAS party faces a challenge from the pro-Russian Socialist Party and its allies in the upcoming election.
The outcome of this election will determine Moldova’s future course on the European stage. If no single party secures a parliamentary majority, pro-European parties would need to engage in coalition talks. This uncertainty adds to the complexity of Moldova’s EU aspirations.
**A Call for Action**
President Sandu emphasized that collective effort and unity are necessary to achieve prosperity and peace. She stressed that citizens must choose the correct path and proceed along it. The September election is a critical moment for Moldova, as its citizens determine the nation’s future course on the European stage.
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