Maia Sandu returns to the post of President of Moldova for a second term

The role, which carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security, is limited by Moldovan law to two consecutive four-year terms.

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Maia Sandu was sworn in for her second term as President of the Republic of Moldova at an official joint session of the Parliament and the Constitutional Court in Chisinau on Tuesday.

After being sworn in, Sandu gave a heartfelt speech, thanking the people for their trust as she accepted her new mandate “with humility and determination.”

Reflecting on her first term, she acknowledged the many crises she faced, but emphasized “the determination and courage of Moldovans who decided to be on the good side of history.”

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

After Russia launched a full-scale invasion of neighboring Ukraine, the president has repeatedly called on Western leaders to address Moldova’s concerns, fearing that his country could become the Kremlin’s next target.

Sandu urged citizens to remain mobilized and optimistic, saying that Moldova is on the right track.

The pro-Western president won a second term in a decisive run-off election against a Russia-friendly rival. The race, according to Moldovan police, was marred by allegations of Russian interference, fraud and intimidation.

According to the Central Election Commission, Sandu won 55.03% of the vote, and the turnout was more than 1.68 million people, that is, about 54% of eligible voters.

Her competitor, former Prosecutor General Oleksandr Stoyanoglo, received slightly less than 45%.

The role, which carries significant powers in areas such as foreign policy and national security, is limited by Moldovan law to a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms.