Romania's runoff election: Implications for Moldova's EU path
A pro-Russian president elected in Romania might oppose the Republic of Moldova's European integration process, according to Andrei Curăraru, an expert in the field.
Speaking on the "360 Degrees" program on Radio Moldova, Curăraru emphasized that such a leader would serve the Kremlin’s interests, which seek to keep Moldova economically weak and outside the European Union. On the other hand, Dr. Andrei Țăranu, a Romanian political science expert, believes that a potential victory by USR candidate Elena Lasconi would ensure the continuation of Romania’s strong support for the Republic of Moldova.
“Even the maneuvers they are currently making with Transnistria, and the speculation about gas deliveries there, aim to drive up tariffs. It is crucial to fully understand the current influence of Russian interests in the Republic of Moldova. This includes Gazprom, the majority shareholder in Moldovagaz, and Transnistria, a supplier of electricity. The last economic leverage available to the Russian Federation lies in unresolved energy dependencies. Beyond that, only diplomatic pressure will remain. This is a concrete example of how a potential President Georgescu might obstruct progress for the Republic of Moldova,” explained Andrei Curăraru on Radio Moldova.
If independent candidate Călin Georgescu wins the second round of Romania’s presidential elections, the situation would be far from ideal for the Republic of Moldova, warns Dr. Andrei Țăranu.
“Mr. Georgescu has openly opposed continuing support for Ukraine, which would obviously place the Republic of Moldova in an extremely difficult position as well. So far, he has not made very clear statements regarding the Republic of Moldova, but we know that he holds a somewhat ambiguous stance on this matter,” Dr. Țăranu stated on Moldova 1.
On the other hand, if USR candidate Elena Lasconi wins the elections, “she would follow the model established by former President Băsescu and later by President Iohannis, providing strong support for the Republic of Moldova.” Dr. Țăranu added: “This support, I hope, has been evident and continues to be so, particularly during the winter months, when a significant portion of the energy and gas coming to the Republic of Moldova is supplied by Romania.”
Romania’s Constitutional Court validated the first round of the presidential elections last evening. The Court has determined that the second round will take place on the 8th of December, with Călin Georgescu, running as an independent, and Elena Lasconi, representing the USR, on the ballot.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
