Moldovans reject EU membership in referendum
This Sunday, Moldovans rejected accession to the European Union (EU) in a constitutional referendum boycotted by pro-Russian candidates.
According to Central Election Commission (CEC) 54.65% of voters are against integration into the European UnionWhereas after scrutiny of more than 85% of the votes cast, 45.35% voted yes.
It is of little use that the government, which had started accession talks in December 2023, received major support from Brussels on the eve of the vote. 1.8 billion euro aid package For the next three years.
Pro-Russian voters, including those seeking Gagauzia autonomy – more than 95% are against it – are far more vocal than voters in the capital Chisinau and the diaspora, who are more willing to enter the European bloc.
Moldova hopes to join the EU in 2030
Moldova, one of the poorest countries in Europe, was expected to join the EU in 2030, where it already exports 65% of its products and where it receives more than 80% of direct investments.
Many Russian-speaking voters Efe spoke to criticized the government for not providing explanations Legal implications of including Moldovan aspiration to join the European Union in the Preamble of the Constitution,
The authorities appeared to be harmed by the fact that the popular consultation coincided with the presidential elections. Due to falling standard of living for four years From the COVID-19 pandemic, the conflict in neighboring Ukraine and the energy war with Russia.
Precisely, the Kremlin was opposed to the referendum and according to the Moldovan prosecutor’s office, fugitive oligarch Ilon Shor tried to buy the votes of 130,000 people from Moscow with a transfer of $15 million from Russian banks.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu wins presidential election
He EU refusal is a blow to Moldova’s president, liberal Maia SanduWho has not been re-elected even in this Sunday’s elections, hence she will have to contest the second round of elections in November. According to preliminary official results, Sandu will face Kremlin candidate Alexander Stoianoglu in the second round.
Until the investigation is over, Sandu has secured 36 percent votesWhile former Attorney General Stoianoglu got 29% votes.
“I voted because it is Moldovans who should determine their destiny, not lies or dirty money. Go out and vote, the vote is your choice of how you will live tomorrow,” Sandu said while voting at a high school in Chisinau. Said. ,
Stoianoglu, meanwhile, has said he voted for a “modern, peaceful and prosperous” Moldova and promised to make his first visit to the separatist region of Transnistria if he wins the election.