Moldova’s Sandu wins re-election

Pro-EU president Maia Sandu has claimed a second term after a tense election run-off seen as a choice between Europe and Russia


MOLDOVA PRESIDENTIAL RUN-OFF: Preliminary result (99.86% of vote)

Maia Sandu
Party of Action and Solidarity (pro-EU)
55.41%

Alexandr Stoianoglo
Party of Socialists (pro-Russian)
44.59%

Turnout: 54% 


MOLDOVA
Population 
2.5 million 

Expat population: 1.2 million

Area: 33,851 sq km

Life expectancy 67 years (men)
76 years (women)

Background: One of Europe’s poorest countries, Moldova gained independence from USSR in 1991. Two-thirds of Moldovans are of Romanian descent and two countries share common cultural heritage

Economy (2023 data)
GDP: 		$16.54 billion 
GDP per capita: $6,650 
Inflation: 	13.4% 
Unemployment: 	1.6% 
Poverty rate: 	13.3% 
GDP by sector: Agriculture 7.6%, industry 17.4%, services 61.1%


Transnistria: Pro-Moscow separatist region hosts 1,500 Russian troops
Dniester River
UKRAINE
MOLDOVA
Tiraspol 
Chisinau
ROMANIA
Odesa
Black Sea
50km 30 miles

Recent events: Since Ukraine war began in 2022, Moldova’s pro-EU and pro-Russian factions have become increasingly divided. In Oct 2024, voters narrowly backed joining EU


Sources: BBC, CIA World Factbook, World Bank
Pictures: Getty Images 
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