Moldova’s European path: Sandu sworn in for second term
Today, President Maia Sandu was sworn in to officially begin her second term in office, amid a challenging context defined by the energy crisis and hybrid threats from the Russian Federation.
All these challenges must be managed and overcome to safeguard the country’s European path, political analyst Victor Ciobanu noted during the "Day by Day" program on Radio Moldova.
"We are starting this term with higher tariffs, energy-related challenges, and a looming electricity deficit, likely to materialize at the beginning of the year. These challenges must be meticulously managed to prevent significant public disappointment ahead of the elections. In the near future, the Kremlin is expected to act aggressively. We must counter any attempts to derail our course and ensure we do not face a situation similar to Georgia's," explained Victor Ciobanu.
Winning the presidential elections, marked by Russia's unprecedented interference, was merely a step for Chișinău’s current pro-European government, according to Valentin Naumescu, professor of international relations at the Faculty of European Studies, Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj, Romania. According to him, the major battle lies ahead in the parliamentary elections scheduled for next year, when all political parties will aim to secure as many seats as possible in the next legislature.
"Another critical and highly complex discussion will inevitably arise—the negotiations to establish a new pro-West parliamentary majority. We must view the electoral process as distinct and challenging, with numerous obstacles and little unity. Then, in the autumn, we will face negotiations to secure over 50 percent of the seats in Parliament, which is essential for continuing Moldova’s European trajectory. We are acutely aware of what has happened and is still unfolding in Georgia," stated Valentin Naumescu.
On Tuesday, December 24, Maia Sandu took the oath of office for her second term as President of the Republic of Moldova during an official ceremony at the Palace of the Republic. She thus becomes the first politician in the Republic of Moldova to be directly elected to two consecutive presidential terms.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
