A sudden cabinet change could accelerate Moldova’s EU reform agenda. Political tensions and local electoral disputes make the transition likely to be challenging.
President of Moldova Maia Sandu expressed hope that next week a new government will be formed in the country, one that will continue the reform path on the way to EU membership. She voiced these points in Kyiv during a press conference following the Ukraine – Southeast Europe summit.
How the future government envisions continued European integration
Moldova is implementing hard and unpopular reforms, and when you deal with such reforms, sometimes changes in the government are needed.
– Maia Sandu
According to the country’s leader, the new government should be formed as early as next week, and foreign policy will remain unchanged. The main emphasis is on efforts toward European Union integration.
Expectations from the new government are to insist on and accelerate the reform process for EU integration and, of course, to finish the hard reforms that have been started and need to be finalized
– Maia Sandu
Regarding the Transnistrian region, Sandu assured that she does not plan a military solution and is betting on economic steps to solve the problem. She emphasized commitment to the peaceful process and maintaining peace in the region even after the start of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Regarding the Transnistrian region – we are not seeking a military solution to the problem. I have repeated this again and again. We are committed to the peaceful process. We are taking steps. We have managed to keep peace in the region even after the start of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine
– Maia Sandu
Chisinau is working on economic issues and security to make the region safer and advance the reintegration process.
There are certain problems. Russia has attempted to use this region and its autonomy against the Republic of Moldova. Hybrid warfare is also being waged in that region. But there is autonomy, we respect the people of this autonomy. I am probably the biggest advocate of the Gagauz autonomy, their language and culture
– Maia Sandu
According to the president, despite certain obstacles with local elections blocked by a number of local politicians on Russia’s instruction, she is confident that free and fair elections can be organized so that the people of Gagauzia can choose their leaders in accordance with the best international standards.
Although there are currently some problems with local elections that were blocked by certain local politicians at Russia’s direction, she is confident that free and fair elections can be organized so that the people of Gagauzia can elect their leaders in accordance with the best international standards
– Maia Sandu
In the context of the region, the president also highlighted the desire to support international standards and security through economic and security initiatives so that the region would be more stable and integrated.
Overall, Sandu emphasizes that Moldova’s priorities remain unchanged: advancing toward the EU and a peaceful reintegration of the region with a focus on developing the economy and security.