President Maia Sandu of Moldova issued a warning to her nation, asserting that the country’s future is at risk amidst what she described as an “unprecedented assault on freedom.” In a speech delivered on 24 October, Sandu highlighted evidence of electoral manipulation and called on government institutions to ensure transparency and integrity in the second round of elections.
In her address to citizens, Sandu detailed the challenges facing Moldova’s democracy, particularly in light of what she referred to as “bank transfers established and documented by state authorities” that were used to buy votes, a practice she argued has significantly distorted election results. The President stressed that the misuse of financial incentives threatens to undermine the country’s democratic fabric.
Sandu’s speech is indicative of her administration’s frustration with the judicial system, which she accused of failing to hold corrupt actors accountable. Specifically, Sandu referenced high-profile cases, including allegations against former Moldovan President Igor Dodon, who purportedly received funds from oligarch Vlad Plahotniuc, and the unresolved case of Ilan Shor, a businessman and politician implicated in Moldova’s largest financial scandal.
“Everyone knows – except perhaps those who choose not to see – what was in the bag Dodon received from Plahotniuc,” Sandu remarked, referring to a widely circulated video allegedly depicting Dodon accepting a bribe. She also raised the issue of the “stolen billion,” a scandal in which $1 billion disappeared from Moldova’s banking system. “Moldovan justice somehow missed how Ilan Shor won elections in Orhei, Gagauzia, and other regions. Without the purchase of votes, the outcome would have been very different,” Sandu said, lamenting the judiciary’s failure to address such incidents.
Calls for Transparency and Mobilisation
In response to these issues, Sandu called for immediate action to restore voter confidence and prevent future irregularities. She appealed to government agencies to ensure a fair electoral process and to publish evidence of any vote-buying incidents, pledging to punish those involved. Sandu’s message was clear: if the judiciary fails to act, the country’s future could remain compromised for decades.
Notably, Sandu dismissed the idea of annulling the elections based on the current allegations, emphasising the need to follow the process while addressing the specific issues at hand. “I have been asked if this could justify rejecting the election results and organising new ones,” Sandu stated. “However, the electoral process should not be halted for a single significant reason alone.”
The President urged citizens to mobilise for the second round, encouraging those who see Moldova “under siege” to act. She warned that the country faces a potential threat from within, alluding to a “Trojan horse” scenario.
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